Governorship aspirant urges INEC to check buying of delegates

A governorship aspirant in Benue State on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Joe Tor Iorlapuu, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to check buying of delegates by moneybag politicians.

Iorlapuu, who made the call yesterday in Makurdi, expressed disgust that many politicians have resorted to buying delegates to vote them as candidates, instead of selling their scorecards.

He urged INEC to punish politicians that indulge in such criminal act.

He said: “INEC should ensure free and fair emergence of credible candidates.”

The governorship aspirant, who advised delegates against selling their votes said: “In the name of God Almighty and the love of our state, do not sell your conscience. Do not sell your community; do not sell your children’s future. Do not enslave yourselves further and do not allow the state to be destroyed further.

On the decision reached by Masev, Ihyarev and Nongov Development Association (MINDA) that all governorship aspirants from the area should step down for Governor Samuel Ortom, Iorlapuu said: “I respect MINDA elders and the decision they took. I am no longer MINDA’s property, as it did not buy form for me. I respect my people, but they must learn to do things fast and at the right time….”

“People are disappointed. Salaries are not paid. Public institutions in the state are dead. These public schools were built with taxpayers’ money. The beneficiaries of public infrastructure have turned around to kill it. Benue is yearning for quality and inclusive leadership.