August 15: ICPC Deploys Operatives To Tackle Vote-buying

THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has said its operatives will be deployed to all the 30 local government areas of the state during the August 15 governorship poll.

This was disclosed by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Osun State, Yusuf Olatunji, while speaking with journalists during a street rally against vote-buying organised by the commission in Osogbo on Thursday.

During the street rally, which had in attendance corps members, staff members of the Independent National Electoral Commission, ICPC members, among others, various speakers in three major languages in the country campaigned against vote-buying.

The rally had taken off at Igbona Market in Osogbo and moved through the Old Garage to Olaiya Area, and terminated at Alekuwodo Market in Osogbo.

Also during the street awareness campaign, fliers containing information on the adverse implications of vote-buying were also distributed to the residents.

Addressing journalists after the rally, Olatunji explained that the rally was organised to drive home the message of the commission against vote trading.

“We are out here to let the people of the state know that vote buying is a crime under Nigerian law. From the ICPC, we will not be tolerating vote buying or selling and anybody culpable of this will be arrested and prosecuted.

“The commission has made adequate arrangements to deploy our personnel to all the 30 local governments to monitor the election to ensure that vote buying is eradicated.

“We want to appeal to the voters that they should not encourage vote buying. Don’t let anybody deceive you with money. Anybody that engages in such, both giver and taker, is liable and will be punished,” Olatunji said.

He admonished the electorate in the state to protect the integrity of our electoral process by rejecting every form of electoral corruption, especially vote buying and vote selling.

He further said, “Vote buying and vote selling may appear to offer temporary financial relief, but they inflict lasting damage on our democracy.

“When votes become commodities, leadership becomes a transaction rather than a mandate. The consequences are evident: poor governance, unfulfilled promises, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, unemployment, and declining public confidence in democratic institutions.

“Every voter must understand that the money offered in exchange for a vote may be spent within a few days, but the effects of electing the wrong leaders may be felt for years.

“No amount of money is worth sacrificing quality education for our children, better healthcare, good roads, employment opportunities, and sustainable development.”

Meanwhile, 14 political parties are fielding candidates in the election, including the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking reelection on the platform of the Accord Party.