By Ozioruva Aliu
BENIN CITY – HUMAN Rights activist and foremost lawyer, Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN) has advocated stiff penalties for those involved in corrupt political activities same way people involved in financial corruption are treated.
Ozekhome said such penalties could help check the challenge of election rigging in Nigeria.
He disclosed this in a paper he presented at the Midwest Achievers Awards held in Benin City, Edo State. The paper was tilted: “Has Democracy led to Good Governance in Nigeria?
He said that post-election adjudication should not only focus on determining winners, but also impose penalties, including imprisonment and fines on political elites or their agents who violate electoral rules
Ozekhome noted that free and fair elections are the foundation of legitimacy, transparency, and accountability, adding that it should therefore be consistently safeguarded to ensure leaders are held accountable to the people.
The rights activists who was a recipient of “Defender of Democracy” award at the event, flayed what he described as political corruption, which according to him, undermines democratic principles.
He stressed that political corruption should be aggressively addressed with the same seriousness and penalties as other forms of corruption, “such as financial crimes.”
According to him, “Too often, political corruption is overlooked largely because the political elites, who are often guilty of these practices hold significant power.
“For instance, Nigeria’s election history is rife with stories of electoral manipulation and voter exploitation by the political class.”
Earlier, the Director of Organization, Midwest Achievers Awards, Dr. Owen Omo-Ojo, said “the event is geared to recognise archivers and spotlight super achievers who have dared to dream, navigate turbulent times, and upheld the highest ethical standards while inspiring hope in their communities and beyond.”
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