Cletus Avoka, the Member of Parliament for Zebilla, has lamented the undue burden placed on lawmakers, attributing perceived corruption within the Legislature to unreasonable demands from the public and constituents.
In an interview with Starr FM, Mr Avoka shed light on the financial challenges MPs encounter due to incessant requests for monetary assistance.
He revealed that the relentless demands make it exceedingly difficult for MPs to abstain from engaging in corrupt practices. Avoka highlighted how many MPs are compelled to divert their attention from legislative duties to address financial obligations.
Mr Avoka emphasized the necessity for understanding from the media, underscoring how the financial pressures MPs confront, including requests for healthcare expenses, contributions to weddings, and school fees, contribute to the perception of corruption.
“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.”
When questioned whether this circumstance validates the claim that all MPs are corrupt, Avoka responded in the affirmative.
He underscored that to sustain their positions, MPs frequently find themselves needing supplementary resources, which may entail pursuing external activities to generate income.
“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.”