Senate President
9th Senate President(insidebusiness)

Hate Speech Campaign Billed Passed by The Senate

On Tuesday, The Senate, passed a bill seeking to establish the Electoral Offences Commission.

Among others, a minimum of ten (10) years of imprisonment or at least a fine of N20M or both was prescribed by the red panel against any person who uses hate speech to stir up ethnic, religious or racial hatred, social or political insecurity or violence against anyone or group of persons during electioneering.

Others include a 20-year jail term or a N40m fine against any candidate or agent who damaged or snatched ballot boxes, ballot papers or election materials before, during and after an election without the permission of election official in charge of the polling station.

The upper chamber also approved at least 15 years imprisonment for any person who influenced voters.

It also prescribed three years’ imprisonment for any employee who directly or indirectly exerts undue influence on a voter in his employment.

The Senate also gave the nod to prohibit any campaign against national interest.

It provided a 20 year-jail term without option of fine for any person who propagated information that undermines the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, or unity of the federation.

The Senate also approved a term of at least 10 years upon conviction for any election official who prevented any person from voting at the polling station, rejected or refused to count any ballot paper validly cast.

The upper chamber in Clause 20(2) approved at least 15 years imprisonment for any judicial officer or officer of a court or tribunal who corruptly perverts electoral justice, during or after an election. (Punchng)

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