The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned the presidential candidates in the forthcoming general election to caution their supporters across the country.
VANTAGE NEWS reports that the police issued the warning in reaction to online abuse and violent conduct of supporters loyal to the presidential aspirants.
Supporters loyal to the different candidates have been engaging in war of words online and offline capable of leading to harm or unrest, VANTAGE NEWS reports
The police fear that the war of words might culminate in violence and attacks during the campaigns which would officially begin next month
Speaking in an interview with The Punch, Police Spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, asked the presidential candidates to caution their supporters against violence and other unlawful practices.
Adejobi, also advised all politicians to put an end to violence, and to stop threatening voices of dissent and opposition in the run-up to 2023 polls.
He said, “Threats to life is a criminal offence, and everyone has the right to take up cases against anyone who threatens their life or engages in an act capable of making their life precarious or causing a problem in the country. Hence, whosoever feels threatened is at liberty to approach the police formally, for necessary action.
“The Electoral Act is clear on electoral offences and appropriate punishments. Also, our criminal laws can be applied in handling election-related crises. We have our laws and we are duty-bound to enforce them at all times.
“While we urge all political actors to be law-abiding and desist from violating the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, we will always engage relevant stakeholders, especially politicians, in deliberations, from time to time, on how to have a seamless exercise in 2023.”
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