Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, has urged the people of Idoma land to stop collecting money from politicians before voting, insisting that electoral choices should be based on competence, performance and the ability to deliver meaningful development.
Obla gave the advice on Saturday at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, FUHSTHO, in Benue State.
He cautioned the electorate against demanding money from political candidates before casting their votes, saying such practice compromised the integrity of the electoral process 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 said.
According to him, voters who collect money from candidates before elections should not expect such politicians to remain accountable after winning as they may consider the money a payment for their 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 person doesn’t owe you anything; he has paid you. And you stop disturbing the person. The person needs to recover 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 often spent our energy on personalities, on political labels and promises while giving little attention to what has actually changed in people’s lives.
“We should ask clear questions: What has been built? What has been equipped? What service is reaching the people?
“What problem has been solved? What institution has been strengthened? What legacy will remain 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.