By Innocent Anaba
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, ICC, Fatou Bensouda, has threatened to prosecute any Nigerian politician or any other person, who incites or engages in acts of violence in the coming general elections.

Bensouda in a statement, yesterday, said “Following my statement on February 2, 2015 and my Office’s subsequent visit to Nigeria from February 3-5. I reiterate my previous message.

“At a time when abhorrent levels of violence already plague parts of the country, I recall that the ICC   has jurisdiction over Rome Statute crimes committed on the territory of Nigeria. Any person who incites or engages in acts of violence in the context of the upcoming elections or otherwise – including by ordering, inciting, encouraging or contributing to the commission of crimes that fall within ICC’s jurisdiction – is liable to prosecution; either by Nigerian courts or by the ICC.

“No one should doubt my Office’s resolve to prosecute individuals responsible for the commission of ICC crimes, whenever necessary.

“Violence is not a solution. The conduct and outcome of elections in Nigeria, free from violence, will not only prevent further instability in the country, but will also send a clear message that electoral competition does not have to result in violence and crimes that shock the conscience of humanity,” the statement added.

The Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC conducts independent and impartial investigations and prosecution of the crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.