Nigeria Police Force has educated and cautioned Nigerians on the use of pets, especially, dogs, at the polling units on election day, as such act runs contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, as amended.
In a statement released by the Force Spokesman, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Tuesday while stated that the provision of Section 126 (1) of the Electoral Act. 2022, explain clearly those actions.
“Exhibited by electorates constitute electoral breaches which are punishable under the law, and paragraph (f) mentions possession of weapons calculated to intimidate voters and electoral officers”.
It stated further that 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”, according to the statement.
Nigeria Police said the conceived ideas, plans by certain individuals, electorates, and groups of people to go to the polls accompanied by pets are unacceptable, stand discouraged, and remain act of electoral infraction as it will cause harassment and intimidation.
The 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 electoral Act, 2022, as amended, and other extant laws.