The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, may spend one year in prison or pay a fine of N100,000 or both if found guilty of double registration by the court after expiration of his tenure.
This is sequel to Thursday’s pronouncement by the Independent National Electoral Commission that Bello is guilty as alleged in the case of double registration.
Sections 12 and 13 of the Electoral Act is explicit on the issue of double or multiple registration.
Section 12 (1) states: “A person shall be qualified to be registered as a voter if such a person:
“(a) is a citizen of Nigeria;
(b) has attained the age of eighteen years;
(c) is ordinarily resident, works in, originates from the Local Government/Area Council or Ward covered by the registration centre;
(d) presents himself to the registration officers of the Commission for registration as a voter; and
(e) is not subject to any legal incapacity to vote under any law, rule or regulations in force in Nigeria.
(2) No person shall register in more than one registration centre or register more than once in the same registration centre.
(3) Any person who contravenes the provisions of subsection (2) of this section
Commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding N100,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or both.”
On Thursday, INEC, in a statement said: “While the governor of Kogi State currently enjoys immunity from prosecution the commission took the following decision in respect of its own staff.
“Summary dismissal of two staff for acts of gross misconduct. Immediate compulsory retirement of an Electoral officer for Act of misconduct.”
It will be recalled that in May 2017, INEC set up a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged double registration by Bello.
Credit: The Eagle
