By Polycarp Ifeanyi
As the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State draws closer, the member representing Onitsha South II Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Jude Ifeanyichukwu Umennajiego, has urged voters to shun vote buying and voter apathy, warning that both have dire consequences.
Umennajiego stressed that those who sell their votes or refuse to participate in elections deny themselves the opportunity to make decisions that will shape their future and that of their children.
The lawmaker made the remarks in an interview with journalists in Onitsha during the 10th anniversary celebration of Crystal Garden Estate held at Patterson Auditorium, All Saints Anglican Church, Onitsha.
He emphasized the need for massive voter turnout, urging residents of the state to take their destiny in their own hands by voting according to their conscience rather than trading their votes for money.
“Those who think that by refusing to vote they are hurting somebody are only hurting themselves. Voter apathy robs people of the opportunity to take decisions that affect their lives and those of their children,” he said.
Umennajiego advised Ndi Anambra to participate actively in the forthcoming election, which he described as critical to the future of the state for the next four years.
“I urge the electorate not to sell their conscience in the November 8 governorship election. The highest money a politician can offer you cannot solve a serious health challenge like malaria, let alone sustain you for four years. So why accept such money and mortgage your future?” he queried.
According to him, anyone who collects money to vote for a politician loses the moral right to criticize that leader’s failures, since the transaction implies the voter has been “bought.”
He, however, suggested two alternatives for the electorate: “Either reject the money and vote according to your conscience, or take it as a Christmas bonus and still vote your conscience. Either way, your conscience should guide your vote.”
On investment, Umennajiego commended the Chief Executive Officer of Crystal Garden Estate, Ambassador Kelvin Someon Chukwu, for creating opportunities for people to build wealth through landed property.
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