Vote-buying: We will monitor, deal with perpetrators

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is to monitor the conduct of politicians in Kogi.

Mr Ulu Okoro-James, Kogi ICPC Office boss, made this known in an interview with our correspondent in Lokoja.

”The Presidential and National Assembly elections holding on Saturday is of paramount importance to the entire nation.

”Any dubious act that can compromise its success will not be tolerated.

“ICPC as an anti-corruption commission will not tolerate any dubious acts. Our men are everywhere here in Kogi. They are strategically placed with Eagle eye to monitor politicians, INEC officials and other stakeholders.

”I want the people of Kogi to know that it is not going to be business as usual.

“We are out to ensure that three is any iota of vote buying or vote selling here in Kogi.

“The election has to be free and fair. We are going to work with other security agencies to stop such acts, ” he said.

He advised the electorate not to allow anybody lure them into selling his or her vote because both would face the same sanction as spelt out in the Electoral Act.

He described the synergy between the 17 security operatives operating in the state as “apt” and “very encouraging” in tackling security matters in Kogi.

Okoro-James expressed the hope that the conduct of election in Kogi this time around would be very peaceful and successful to give room for meaningful development.