At this perilous and dire period that Nigerians are on the threshold to elect leaders that will represent them in the next four years, we cannot afford to let it slip into the gutters of history. The nation may not be getting it right as everyone would wish it to be, and it is not yet the land of milk and honey we desire. But to exacerbate the issue is by disrupting the process that brings about good leadership. One of the beauties of democracy is to vote for your desired candidate(s), and even be voted for if you have the requisite qualifications to vie for the office.

Of recent, there has been uproar as regards the controversial statement made by the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari embroiled himself on the issue of ballot boxes and snatchers. He was reported to have stated that, “I am going to warn anybody who thinks he has enough influence in his locality to lead a body of thugs, snatch ballot boxes or to disturb the voting system, he will do it at the expense of his own life.” Those are the President words; but they are not in line with what the Electoral Act says no matter how you view his perception.

It is true that under, “Section 118 paragraphs (f)(i)(j) of the Electoral Act 2010, that persons who snatch election materials are liable to a prison term of two years or maximum fine of N500,000.” We should all know that you cannot be the law, the judge and the executioner at the same time. Once you follow due process, there is no problem. I understand that the President intended to send stern warning to those who want to carry out such a dastardly act and he has the privilege to do so.

However, to intending ballot box snatcher(s), they should steer clear of these affectations and shenanigans because the full wrath of the law will surely pounce and bounce on anyone who wants to foment trouble. The nation is boiling already and any violators will be punished accordingly.