The Nigeria Police Force has issued a warning against the display of animals, especially dogs, at polling points on election day.
The warning was issued in a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja by CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer.
According to him, it is against the Electoral Act’s rules to bring dogs to polling places on election day.
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He claimed that the police will not tolerate such behavior since it would constitute voter harassment and intimidation.
Nigerian police don turn lawyer
“The provision of Section 126 (1) of the Electoral Act 2022, explains clearly those actions exhibited by electorate that constitute electoral breaches and are punishable under the law.
“Paragraph (f) mentions possession of weapons calculated to intimidate voters and electoral officers.
“Dogs could be classed as offensive weapons as their owners or handlers can use them to intimidate, harass and cause assault and bodily harm to others,” he added.
Adejobi consequently issued a warning to anyone planning to display their pets at the polling places for any reason.
Nigerians however, were not warm to the claims and made counter statements to the post.
@NIYIND said: “If you had protected people from bullies two weeks ago I’m sure nobody would even consider bringing dogs and other “weapons”
@Fconcept_ent wrote: “You condemned an act of self defence but offer no proactive or encouraging remarks to heighten the peoples confidence in your protection.”
@kejay_prince commented: “Do the Nigerian police force takes responsibility should anyone get hurts at their polling unit on Election Day?”
@UchePOkoye added: “The use of Dogs at the polling unit is because we no longer trust you enough to protect our votes!”
Lawyer shot dead by unidentified policeman
Meanwhile, it was a black Christmas for the family of Omobolanle Raheem, a lawyer who was shot by a policeman while coming back from church service.
The Nigerian police force has arrested the officer from Ajiwe police station in Ajah in Lagos state for allegedly killing the lawyer.
The late Barrister Omobolanle Raheem was a member of the Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and was in the car with her husband when she got shot.
