Former Minister of Public Affairs, Bolaji Akinyemi, has stated on Arise TV that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has the power to prosecute individuals who break electoral malpractice laws.
He noted that although electoral laws and tribunals exist in Nigeria, no one has been penalised for breaking electoral laws. He added that an electoral tribunal is unnecessary to convict those who commit violent crimes during elections. The criminal code contains provisions against hooliganism.
Akinyemi, in his opinion, said those guilty of ignoring electoral laws have not been prosecuted because “everybody is guilty”. He suggested that even the judiciary may be involved in these plans.
Akinyemi’s comments came in response to the UK’s announcement on Visa ban of individuals involved in electoral malpractice in the 2023 elections. The UK plans to implement a visa ban on these individuals once the list is complete.
UK Visa Ban not effective
However, Akinyemi doubted that visa bans would be enforced. He stated, “I cannot remember any person who has been sanctioned with visa denial.” He suggested that some nations may not enforce visa bans to avoid losing the businesses these individuals bring to their countries.
Instead, Akinyemi proposed that the ICC could prosecute individuals found to have broken electoral malpractice laws.
He stated, “The International Criminal Court is there to deal with cases bordering on hate crimes.” ICC can work to prosecute the offenders, even if the UK and the US don’t implement the visa ban.
In conclusion, Akinyemi called for nationwide intervention and reconciliation, stating that “there will be no healing without justice”.
He emphasised the need for individuals to work together to build reconciliation.
