WATCH: Buhari comes under intense criticism for declaring ‘instant death’ on election riggers
President Muhammadu Buhari has come under intense criticism for declaring instant death for anyone who dares to disrupt the poll on Saturday.
Buhari, during the APC caucus meeting on Monday said he has ordered police and military operatives to be ruthless in dealing with thugs who attempt to snatch ballot boxes.
“I am going to warn anybody who thinks he has enough influence in his locality to lead a body of thugs to snatch boxes or to disturb the voting system, he would do it at the expense of his own life,” the President said.
But Nigerians say Buhari’s statement was out of line as a democratic President. They say such statement could lead to indiscriminate killing of innocent persons particularly at a time security operatives have constantly displayed a penchant for excessive use of force on citizens.
A guideline by INEC against election disruption doesn’t pronounce a death sentence for any of the possible offences.
The most severe form of punishment for offenders is a two year jail sentence or N500,000 fine.
Though Buhari’s comments have been adjudged as extreme and unnecessary, it is also important and in the nation’s interest that the elections go as peaceful as possible.
