'Rig, die': Nigerians entitled to protect their votes - Lawyer

Human rights attorney Inibehe Effiong has cautioned those plotting election fraud to consider the repercussions, emphasizing that Nigerians possess the right to safeguard their voting and electoral liberties. Effiong cautioned that those involved in intimidation or seeking to disrupt the electoral process should brace for the fallout of their actions.

In a X post on Monday, the lawyer responded to debates surrounding the phrase "rig and die," clarifying that it was not a call for individuals to vote for a specific candidate or face death, but rather a warning against electoral tampering and violence.

Effiong questioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 's dedication to tackling electoral violence, accusing the body of failing to penalize political parties, institutions, or individuals involved in pre-election violence. He wondered why INEC would threaten sanctions against those engaging in violence during elections when, in his opinion, the commission had not shown the same resolve in addressing violence beforehand.

The lawyer also questioned INEC's response to political violence during the 2023 general elections, asking how many people or political entities had been sanctioned for such misconduct. He cited instances like the disruption of political rallies and the reported violent assault on activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, as examples that, in his view, had not received adequate attention from the electoral overseer.

Effiong reiterated that Nigerians have the right to protect their votes and defend their electoral rights, warning potential riggers to weigh the possible consequences of their actions.