The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has charged the police and other law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute electoral law offenders.

NHRC executive secretary Tony Ojukwu said this while addressing a news conference on the preliminary findings of last Saturday’s election. He said preliminary findings from the commission’s field monitors and human rights situation room provided a snapshot of violations during the governorship and state assembly elections.

Mr Ojukwu stated that ethnic division and hate speech were rife in many states, including Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Kaduna and Rivers.

According to him, the NHRC will continue monitoring the situation and providing updates as more information is available.

Mr Ojukwu called on relevant authorities to take necessary actions to address the issues raised in the report to ensure that future elections are free, fair, and peaceful.

“The police should arrest and prosecute all verified cases of political violence, including attacks and snatching of ballot boxes and materials. The police should also deploy human rights-based approaches in managing cases of post-election violence and ensure the protection of lives and properties as we conclude the 2023 electoral circle,” stated the NHRC chief.

He urged law enforcement and security agents to maintain “neutrality and impartiality” in the remaining election and urged INEC to demonstrate transparency and integrity in future off-cycle elections.

“The commission received, with great concern, the attack on the ARISE News crew at Elegushi Palace. We call on law enforcement to investigate these and other incidents of violence and bring the perpetrators to book,” the NHRC boss noted. “The commission also received reports of the killing of alleged thugs in Lagos, Katsina and Benue states, Labour Party agents in Lagos. Elections are not war, and no life should be lost in the process of elections.”

(NAN)