Maintaining my parliamentary seat requires corrupt practices – Cletus Avoka

Zebilla’s Member of Parliament, Cletus Avoka, attributes the perceived corruption among MPs to the persistent financial pressures they face, primarily from constituents and the public.

Avoka highlighted how the incessant demands for money create an environment where MPs find it challenging to avoid corrupt practices.

In an interview with Starr FM on Monday, February 26, the lawmaker shed light on the significant challenges MPs encounter due to constant financial requests.

He emphasized that many MPs are forced to divert their attention from legislative duties to engage in business ventures because of these financial strains.

Avoka underscored the importance of media understanding, explaining how the financial burdens MPs endure, such as requests for medical expenses, wedding contributions, and school fees, contribute to the perception of corruption.

“Every day MoMo. Every day 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 eight 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.”

He further explained that MPs often require additional resources, sometimes resorting to external activities to generate income in order to meet the substantial financial demands placed upon them.

“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.”