The Presidency says that President Muhammadu Buhari’s comment on ballot box snatchers is a “strong message’’ against the long history of savagery associated with elections in the country.
Buhari had, during the emergency caucus meeting of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, warned that anyone who dared to snatch ballot boxes during Saturday’s elections would be doing so for the last time.
The Presidency however said the President should be praised rather than criticised for issuing “the stern warning to potential ballot box snatchers’’.
“About 10 years ago, evidence was brought before an election tribunal from one of the states in North Central of the gruesome killing of 26 prospective voters by ballot box snatchers.
“Their modus operandi is well known. They storm election venues in commando style, overwhelm the law-enforcement agents and seize ballot boxes, leaving a trail of death and injury.
“Anyone who dares to put the lives of innocent citizens at risk in their desperation to rig elections must be prepared for the possibility of losing their own lives.
The Presidency also noted that no one should have anything to fear from the president’s comments if their consciences and intentions were clear.
(NAN)