Vote Buying: Osun Traditionalists To Administer Oath On Members

 

Yusuf Oketola

THE Traditional Religion Worshippers Association of the State of Osun has said it might administer oath on its members to prevent them from selling their votes in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

This was contained in a statement signed by the TRAWSO President, Oluseyi Atanda, a copy of which was obtained  by OSUN DEFENDER in Osogbo on Wednesday.

Atanda said it would have been a historic feat, if such oath could be administered on all inhabitants of Osun to stop the ugly trend of vote-buying.

He consequently challenged the leadership of both Christianity and Islam in Osun to also prevail on their members not to sell their votes during the poll.

Atanda added that the association remained apolitical, even as he said “candidates of various parties and their foot soldiers, seeking support and prayers, have been coming to see TRAWSO members at their meeting place.”

He stated: “Specifically, we have instructed our members not to sell their votes or buy votes. Our beliefs and practice forbid mortgaging your conscience before performing your civic duties.

“We have control and means to ensure that our members comply with our directive not to sell or buy votes. If need be, we may go to the extent of administering oath on them to ensure total compliance. 

“It would have been a historic feat, if such oath could be administered on all inhabitants of Osun to forestall this ugly trend rearing its head and spreading like wild fire.

“We urge leaders and adherents of Islam and Christianity to follow our noble example and impress it on their people not to sell or buy votes. They should also go the extra length to chastise their members selling and buying votes. 

“So far, we have not seen a single traditionalist being held for selling or buying votes and that should be emulated by other religions.”