From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has activated sections 23 and 24, of the Violence Against Prohibition Act (VAPP) that deals with the issue of electoral violence.
NAPTIP Director General Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi told reporters at a press conference in Abuja, on Monday, that the VAPP Act (2015), gave NAPTIP additional responsibility to take actions against electoral violence during elections as may be the case in Nigeria in the coming days.
She explained that the Act provides a legal framework for the protection of persons against all forms of violence in private and public life.
She said: “The meaningful participation of all persons in political processes is key to achieving a more secure, prosperous and democratic society. However, this can be obstructed by political violence, which is why sections 23 and 24, of the VAPP Act, prohibit all forms of political and electoral violence by individuals and state actors.”
She defined political violence as any crime perpetrated in the course of political activities, like elections which include: thuggery, mugging, use of force to disrupt meetings; or the use of dangerous weapons that may cause bodily harm or injury.
She explained that section 23 of the VAPP Act provides that a person who commits political violence is liable on conviction, to a term of imprisonment of up to four years or a fine of up to N500,000 or both, adding that the section also criminalises any attempt to commit political violence, notably, inciting, aiding, abetting or counselling another person to commit the crime including receiving or assisting a person to commit political crimes.
She added: “The VAPP Act is very clear about what constitutes political violence and the different category of persons and groups that would be held liable for committing, inciting aiding, and abetting political violence in the FCT. These provisions are also applicable to the 35 States that have adopted the VAPP Act as law.
“So, based on the foregoing, and in the midst of political violence across the country since the beginning of the present electioneering process including those on INEC facilities, it has become necessary for the Agency to deliberately work with other law enforcement agencies to implement the above-referenced sections of the VAPP Act at this time of election.”
NAPTIP boss said that, in collaboration with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), the Agency has put in place mechanisms targeted at sensitising the public against perpetrating acts of political violence.
She added: “Since the beginning of this month, carefully curated jingles in English and pidgin have been airing on two local radio stations to warn FCT residents of the consequences of any act of political violence within this Period.
“In addition to that, awareness creation materials including posters and red card handbills have been produced for this purpose. These materials would be posted in strategic locations across the six Area Councils of the FCT, and they were designed to enhance the understanding of the public on what constitutes electoral violence, indicators, and punishments. This is expected to serve as a deterrent to all.”
She said that NAPTIP will mobilise its personnel to enforce the relevant sections of the VAPP Act during the upcoming elections, adding that its duly trained personnel will be present at various polling centres at the ward level, to monitor and ensure a peaceful voting exercise.
“We implore residents of the FCT to take advantage of our reporting channels to report any act of political violence. Parents and guardians should caution their children to stay away from all acts of violence within this election period,” she said.