Dr Luqman AbdurRaheem, the Chairman of the TMC Committee on
Social Mobility, the Economy and Politics, gave the commendation while
presenting the 13th series of the committee’s “State of The Nation
Address” on Sunday in Lagos.

AbdurRaheem, who is also the Amir (President) of TMC, said that such stance “is
a boost to eliminating corruption in campaign financing in the nation
since cash payment to voters corrupts the electoral process’’.

He recalled that in times past, Nigerians knew
how the economy would have been awash with federal government’s money
and other illicit monies all in the name of campaigns.

“It would have been time to share
not just Naira but dollars and other foreign currencies with different
`Aso-Ebis’ to the bargain.

“Nigerians would have been in carnival
mood with the usual rent-a-crowd agents as well as outdoor entertainment
equipment owners and caterers making huge gains running into billions
of naira.

“But, everywhere is quiet now and money launderers are awash with the fear of EFCC.

“There is therefore little money available for electioneering.

“This has reduced money politics that has
not allowed credible-but-not-wealthy candidates to emerge as candidates
let alone win elections,’’ the chairman said.

According to him, it simply means
that the candidates who emerged under the “Not-Too-Young-To-Run” law
stand a better chance against other older and probably, wealthier
candidates.

He said this is a positive development that
should be sustained in the years ahead as it allows government money to
be used strictly for developmental purposes.

“But
governors and local government chairmen across the states and local
governments have not made similar commitments not to spend such monies.

“It would be a bigger impact if they can also commit themselves,’’ he said.

On the general election scheduled to hold next
month, the committee cautioned that no one should see it as a
“do-or-die-affair”, especially as INEC, the Presidency and President
Buhari himself, have assured credible, free and fair elections.

“Let us believe these assurances and play
our part in ensuring a peaceful election.; let there be no violence,
vote-buying and vote-selling.

“INEC staff, security personnel and
politicians should conduct themselves in the best possible manner since
the election is a serious affair in the progress and survival of the
nation.

“People must desist from circulating
unofficial and fake results on the social media as this is capable of
breaching public peace.

“We urge religious leaders and traditional
rulers to use their respected offices in creating an atmosphere of
peace and security.”

According to him, in spite of whichever
candidate becomes victorious in any of the elections, what is paramount
is the development and progress of the nation.

“Victorious candidates should know that
the people have become more aware of their circumstances and their
rights and would, therefore, not tolerate bad governance.

“The right dividends of democracy are what the people want after sacrificing to vote at the elections,’’ AbdurRaheem said.

For those that may run afoul of the election
and electioneering laws, he said, “the rule of law should be allowed to
take its course.

“That way, erring political offenders can receive deserved punishment that will serve as a deterrent to others.