Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, has urged the people of Idoma land to cease collecting money from politicians earlier than voting, insisting that electoral selections must be based mostly on competence, efficiency and the flexibility to ship significant improvement.
Obla gave the recommendation on Saturday on the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, FUHSTHO, in Benue State.
He cautioned the citizens towards demanding money from political candidates earlier than casting their votes, saying such observe compromised the integrity of the electoral course of and weakened accountability.
“Stop voting as if your lives do not depend on it. Your lives depend on it. And stop disturbing your children who are competent to give you money before you vote for them. Look at the most competent people and vote for the right people,” he stated.
According to him, voters who accumulate money from candidates earlier than elections mustn’t anticipate such politicians to stay accountable after successful as they could take into account the money a fee for his or her votes.
“When you ask people for money before you cast your vote in an election, you have compromised the integrity of the process.
“After the election, that individual would not owe you something; he has paid you. And you cease disturbing the individual. The individual must get better his or her money,” Obla added.
The senior advocate also criticised what he described as the tendency of the electorate to prioritise political personalities, party affiliations and campaign promises over measurable achievements.
He urged the people to hold political officeholders accountable by asking what they had built, equipped or contributed to improving the lives of their constituents.
“We have usually spent our power on personalities, on political labels and guarantees whereas giving little consideration to what has really modified in people’s lives.
“We should ask clear questions: What has been built? What has been equipped? What service is reaching the people?
“What downside has been solved? What establishment has been strengthened? What legacy will stay when the speeches and campaigns are over?” he said.
Obla maintained that leadership should be measured by service and tangible impact rather than political rhetoric, urging the electorate to support individuals who demonstrate commitment to community development.
