Zebilla member of parliament Cletus Avoka has blamed irrational demands made on legislators by the public and constituents in particular for the alleged corruption in the Legislature.
The Member of Parliament emphasized in an interview with Starr FM the difficulties that come with frequent requests for funding.
Avoka revealed that it is nearly hard for MPs to refrain from participating in corrupt operations due to public demands.
He made the observation that a lot of MPs find themselves utilizing their positions more for business than for their legislative responsibilities.
Avoka emphasized that the financial strains MPs endure such as requests for reimbursement for medical costs, contributions to weddings, and school fees contribute to the public’s view of corruption and called for understanding from the media.
“Everyday MoMo. Everyday MoMo. Somebody is sick and has to go to the hospital, you have to send money, somebody is going to do a wedding you have to send money, they are going to do outdooring, they are asking for you. They are asking for school fees and whatnot.
“Many of us lose the election or Primaries not because we are not doing well but because we’re not giving money out. How do you give money out if you come and stay in parliament for 8 hours debating? You’re debating for 5 or 8 hours, you go home in the evening to sleep, and the following day you have no money to send. You have to go out and look for the money.”
Avoka responded in the yes when asked if this circumstance supported the claim that all Members of Parliament are dishonest, pointing out that in order to keep their seats, MPs frequently need to look for extra funding, which may entail taking on outside jobs to make money.
“If I’m not corrupt, how can I maintain my seat? You have to be corrupt in one way or another. You have to look for more resources. If you have to look for more resources, you have to go out and do some work for a contractor. As a lawyer, maybe prepare a bill, or do this and that and whatnot? So I have half attention here, and half attention outside because I need more resources to be able to maintain my seat.” He stated.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Joseph Asare
