Corruption: EFCC, INEC, NOA sensitises Kaduna citizens on vote buying

As the general elections draw nearer, group under the auspices of Grassroot Corruption Fighters (GCF) in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on Thursday took to the streets of Kaduna to sensitise its citizens against vote buying and selling.

The rally, which attracted thousands of participants particularly youths stormed the Murtala Mohammed Square before passing through Independence Way, Waff Road, Ahmadu Bello Way, Ali Alkali Road and terminated at the Murtala Mohammed Square.

Speaking with newsmen at the end of the rally, the National Coordinator of GCF, Mubarak Umar said the rally was organised to sensitize the public on dangers of vote buying and vote selling.

“The grassroots need to be sensitized on dangers of vote buying. The implications of selling votes is that if you sell your PVC, it could be dumped at a crime scene and you don’t have anything to say to deny your involvement.

“We know what we want. It is our right to use our PVC to vote. It is my right I should not let anybody deceive me. Anybody that has PVC should know that it is more than cash.

“He should consider that PVC is what will give him health, water, education and all other basic social amenities. Consider the PVC as a weapon to use in voting incredible candidates,” he added.

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“This rally is in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission  (EFCC), National Orientation Agency  (NOA) and other NGOs interested in building democracy.

Speaking also, INEC representative at the rally, Auwal Mohammed Mashi who is the Kaduna State  Administrative Secretary said that the group is doing the right thing.

“We believe their objectives are good and they are coming at the right time close to the election,” he added.

EFCC Director Public Affairs Mr Osita Nwaja and Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Tony Amokeodo also harped on the need for electorate to shun all forms of temptation to sell their voters card.

They reiterated that vote selling and buying is an offence under the law and those found erring will be prosecuted accordingly.

For the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Dr Garba Abari who was represented by the Deputy Director Planning, Research and Statistics Mrs Rhoda Jupada said when electorates sell their PVCs for money it is mortgaging their future and that of their children.