Elections: NANS urges security agencies to work within ambit of law

THE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has urged personnel of security agencies involved in the forthcoming general elections to work within the ambit of the law.

NANS’ National Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Bestman Okereafor, made the call in a statement he issued in Enugu on Tuesday.

The statement has a theme: “Ballot Box Snatching, a Menace That Must Be Eradicated in Accordance with the Law.’’

Okereafor said: The Electoral Act 2010, as amended, prohibits anyone from snatching electoral materials and committing other related offenses during elections.

ALSO READ: NANS bans award conferment by student unions indefinitely

“Section 129 Sub-section (4) of the Electoral Act prescribes a maximum of two years imprisonment for offenders.

“Section 131 of the same act further states that anyone who uses force, threats, violence or restraint is liable on conviction to a fine of N1 million or imprisonment for a term of 3 years,`’ he said.

NANS spokesman said that the menace of ballot box snatching must be vehemently rejected, resisted and condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians.

“However, dealing with the menace should be done in the most civil manner in accordance with the provision of the law.“

According to him, doing so is in line with international best practices obtainable in any other civilized country of the World.