Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called politicians who buy votes to win elections “armed robbers.”
Jonathan made the remarks while interacting with journalists after voting in his home state of Bayelsa on Saturday evening.
He believes that the conduct of politicians is important during elections and that politics should be viewed as a “clean business.”
“My desire for Nigeria is that we conduct a peaceful election,” he remarked.
“Our behavior matters a lot to us politicians, and I often tell politicians that sure, you can win the election using unconventional tactics or not. Such as using violence to win elections or purchasing votes, but when you do so, you are behaving like an armed robber.
“Armed robber makes money through robbery, yet everyone knows he’s an armed robber. A con man makes money by deceiving others, but everyone knows. They are not responsible members of society.
“Politicians are expected to be responsible members of society. Therefore we must pray clearly and creatively so that our supporters, families, and others understand that politics is a clean business and that people can vote for whoever they choose at whatever level of elections.
“My prayer with the politicians, the security forces, the INEC personnel, is to do their best for the country. The entire world is watching us.”
Jonathan praised the performance of the bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS) as a better advancement.
“I don’t think we’re going backward,” he remarked. We may still encounter some technical difficulties. I am not anticipating that the BVAS will operate completely. Yet, it is a considerable advance and an attempt to enhance the process.
“The only thing I ask of INEC is that they enhance their distribution of materials. They appear to be employing the same technique of distribution,” he added.
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