The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) Pyrates Confraternity, Atlantic Shores Deck has challenged Nigerians to bring to an end electoral impunity and vote-trading in the country.
Its Capoon, Mr Utibe Ikot who made the call in a statement in Eket on Wednesday to commemorate the International Day of Democracy called on the electorate to uphold and promote the principles of democracy by tackling electoral impunity in next year’s general elections.
Ikot decried that the electoral process in Akwa Ibom was becoming increasingly transactional and riddled with vote buying and selling otherwise known as vote-trading.
“During the just concluded primaries to produce candidates for the major political parties in the state.For instance, there were pervasive media reports and personal testimonies of outright and brazen vote-selling and buying among aspirants and delegates.
“Many aspirants allegedly camped delegates in hotels and other unknown locations to avoid their being reached by opposing aspirants.
“Party delegates have the onerous responsibility of enabling their parties present the best candidates to the electorate, but unfortunately, being a party delegate has become a money-spinning venture, to detriment of democracy and the citizenry.” He explained.
Ikot noted that it was disheartening that electoral offices were being put up for the highest bidder, reminiscent of a typical auction event.
“Undoubtedly, the ever increasing pressures stemming from economic hardship and volatilities such as unemployment and inflation in the country, vis-a-vis the State, have made voters even more vulnerable and desperate, hence the temptation to trade their votes and also cash out from the electoral process.
He however, said the situation was further exacerbated by the State’s entrenched political class who are determined to protect and perpetuate their vested political interests.
Ikot explained that as the state prepares for the 2023 elections, there was need for circumspection by the citizens (voters), as once votes are sold, the voters tacitly lose the right to hold political office holders accountable to their stewardship in office.
“As vote trading (buying and selling) walk into the room; competence, integrity, character, and track record fly out of the window.
“Sadly still, this transactional form of democracy is convenient for corrupt politicians who have continually impoverished the citizenry, knowing that they could always return in four years to buy back their way to political offices while their constituents remain impoverished, trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty, deprivation, unemployment, insecurity, vulnerability, and powerlessness.” He explained.
He advised that the citizens must take back their power and rescue the polity from the grasps of corrupt politicians who do not mean well for the state in particular, and the country in general.
“It inspires hope to know that many more young persons have registered to vote and are eagerly waiting to have their voices heard through the ballot. However, more concerted collective effort is required, as electoral impunity, manifesting as vote�trading, cannot be simply wished away.
“Citizens need to be consistently educated or sensitized against exchanging votes for money; and relevant government agencies need to institute measures to not only discourage vote selling and buying but punish offenders.
“The National Association of Seadogs, Atlantic Shores Deck, in the light of this, commemorates the International Day of Democracy 2022 by calling on all well meaning Akwa Ibomites in particular, and Nigerians in general, to join hands to end electoral impunity in the next elections, by shunning vote buying and selling.
“The major political parties must learn to campaign on issues, merit, and sound manifesto, and follow through with their candidates to ensure that they keep their political promises and win the trust and confidence of the people.
He called for active collaboration with relevant bodies such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that corrupt politicians can no longer buy votes form vulnerable, uninformed Citizens.
