As part of its sensitization efforts to enlighten the public against the ills of money laundering and voter’s inducement, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, hosted a “Say No to Vote Buying” Concert, which held at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, on January 13, 2019.
The Concert, which was organized in partnership with Olaranwaju Toriseju, popular comedian fondly referred to as Ambassador Wahala, provided a rare opportunity for the EFCC to use music, comedy and drama, to engage the public on the dangers of selling their votes.
Featuring various up-and-coming acts including emerging comedians like Dr. Ayuba, Ghana Must Go, Koboko Master, Stainless, Washington, Mr Odey, MC 3310, Cee Dee, Charles Aworum, MC Philip, Asawana, Chucks D General, Nick B, Sam & Song, Funny Bruno, and music by Victor Velmo, Yung Fresh, Maisty Sanusi, Fortune Tunez, Braine and Magic Steppers, participants including the young and the old, who gathered at the venue, were thrilled to exciting music and funfair, all laid with the important message against vote buying and selling.
The event also had several messages such as: “Be Wise, Anyone Buying Your Vote is a Fraudster, Say No”; “Slavery begins by putting a price tag on your vote”; “Your vote is the future, don’t sell it”; “My vote is not for sale”, and, “Voter no be Seller”.
According to Ibrahim Magu, acting Chairman of the Commission, who was represented by Aisha Gambari, a staff of the EFCC’s Public Affairs Directorate, the issue of vote buying has become a front burner, considering that it has now become a major tool by politicians to perpetrate their money laundering activities.
“All we are saying here is that anyone trying to buy your vote is corrupt and such a person should be reported to the EFCC,” he said.