By Hassan Zaggi
As Nigerians are preparing to go to the polls for the governorship and House of Assembly election on March 11, the Nigeria Police Force has warned that the use of dogs and other pets at the polling unit is criminal.
In a statement signed by the Force Spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi (CSP), the police explained that such act runs contrary to the provision of the electoral Act 2022, as amended.
The provision of Section 126 (1) of the Electoral Act. 2022, the Force Spokesman said, explains clearly those actions exhibited by electorates that constitute electoral breaches and are punishable under the law, and paragraph (f) mentions possession of weapons calculated to intimidate voters and electoral officers.
“Dogs could be classed as offensive weapons as their owners/handlers can use them to intimidate, harass and cause assault and bodily harm to others.
“The Dogs Act, CAP 55 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1958 as domesticated in various States, and other Criminal Laws in Nigeria are trite,” he said.
The statement, therefore, warned that the conceived ideas and plans by certain individuals, electorates, and groups of people to go to the polls accompanied by pets are unacceptable, stand discouraged, and remain an act of electoral infraction as it will cause harassment and intimidation.
The Nigeria Police Force, therefore, warned those who intend to display their pets, dogs specifically, for whatever purpose, at the polling units, to desist as such constitutes a violation of the electoral Act, 2022, as amended, and other extant laws.
