Former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, has called for stricter penalties for electoral crimes in Nigeria to mitigate violence and other forms of criminality during elections. He made this recommendation at a stakeholder gathering in Benin City, themed “Election Security,” organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists and NTA Benin Chapel. Arase highlighted that the absence of clear guidelines on command and control has hindered efforts to achieve violence-free elections in the past three electoral cycles in the country.
Represented by DCP Miller Dantawaye, the Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations for the Edo State Police Command, Arase emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration among civil society, security agencies, and electoral bodies to work towards the common good of the public. He stated, “There must be tougher punishment for people who cause violence during the election to ensure the ugly trend is minimized.” He reiterated the necessity for synergy among various stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
In addition, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State, Obo Efanga, was represented by Timidi Wariowei, the Head of Voters Education. Wariowei assured attendees that the commission is fully prepared for the upcoming elections.
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