Speaking at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, FUHSTHO, in Otukpo, Benue State, on Saturday, distinguished legal practitioner Godwin Obla advised constituents in the Idoma region to reject financial inducements during elections and instead prioritize competence and capability.
The prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria cautioned that demanding cash from politicians compromises the electoral process, absolves elected officials of their responsibilities, and hinders long-term progress across communities.
"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," Obla stated during his address.
Elaborating on the dangers of financial inducement, the legal luminary explained that accepting money effectively transforms the ballot into a commercial transaction, thereby erasing any moral ground for citizens to demand effective representation afterward.
"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," he added.
Beyond the issue of financial inducement, Obla criticized the prevailing tendency among voters to focus excessively on political parties, prominent personalities, and superficial campaign rhetoric instead of verifiable track records.
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He challenged the electorate to demand accountability by evaluating officeholders based on tangible contributions to infrastructure and human capital development within their constituencies.
"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," Obla remarked, emphasizing the need for critical evaluation of political aspirants.
"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?"
Concluding his address, the senior lawyer reiterated that genuine leadership must be evaluated through measurable public service and visible community impact rather than empty promises, urging citizens to embrace responsible voting habits ahead of future political contests.