August 6 ,2:05pm
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission says it will deploy operatives to all 30 local government areas in Osun State for the August 15 governorship election.
Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Osun, Yusuf Olatunji, disclosed this on Thursday during a street rally against vote-buying in Osogbo.The rally, which started at Igbona Market, moved through Old Garage and Olaiya, and ended at Alekuwodo Market. It had corps members, INEC staff and ICPC officials in attendance. Messages against vote-buying were delivered in the country’s three major languages, while fliers were distributed to residents.
Olatunji told journalists that the rally was to sensitise the public that vote-buying is a crime under Nigerian law.“From the ICPC, we will not tolerate vote buying or selling. Anybody culpable will be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.He added that personnel had been positioned across the 30 LGs to monitor the poll and eradicate vote trading.
“We appeal to voters not to allow anyone deceive them with money. Both the giver and taker are liable and will be punished,” he said.Olatunji warned that vote-buying damages democracy and leads to poor governance, insecurity and unemployment.
“Money offered for a vote may be spent in days, but the effects of electing the wrong leaders last for years,” he said.Fourteen political parties, including incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, are contesting the election.ICPC To Monitor All 30 Osun LGs For Vote-Buying Ahead Of Aug 15 Poll
