I have to be corrupt to become MP – Cletus Avoka

Member of Parliament for Zebilla, Cletus Avoka, has attributed the perceived corruption within the Legislature to the unreasonable demands imposed on lawmakers, primarily by the public and constituents.

During an interview with Starr FM, Avoka highlighted the persistent challenges faced by MPs due to continuous financial requests, revealing that these demands make it nearly impossible for lawmakers to refrain from involvement in corrupt activities.

Mr Avoka pointed out that, as a consequence, many MPs divert their attention from legislative duties, utilizing their positions for personal business endeavors.

He emphasized the necessity for media understanding, underscoring that financial pressures, encompassing requests for healthcare expenses, wedding contributions, and school fees, contribute significantly to the public’s perception of corruption.

Addressing the prevalent financial demands, Mr Avoka described a daily scenario where MPs are inundated with requests, making it challenging to allocate funds after lengthy parliamentary debates.

He acknowledged that these financial constraints often lead MPs to engage in external activities to generate income, supporting the assertion that such circumstances justify the perception that all MPs are corrupt.

Responding to whether this situation justifies labeling all MPs as corrupt, Avoka affirmed that maintaining a seat often requires seeking additional resources, potentially involving external activities for income generation.

He highlighted the dilemma MPs face, needing to divide their attention between parliamentary responsibilities and external endeavors to meet the financial demands placed upon them.

“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.”

“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.”