President of the Ogoni Central Indigenous Authority (OCIA), Dr Goodluck Diigbo, who gave the directive on Wednesday, about 72 hours before the forthcoming elections, said, "We must act to shatter the money voter cascade; without fear or favor."
Ahead of Saturday's presidential and National Assembly elections, Ogoni people have been directed to seize money spotted with anyone within Ogoni Land for vote-buying either before or on Election Day.
President of the Ogoni Central Indigenous Authority (OCIA), Dr Goodluck Diigbo, who gave the directive on Wednesday, about 72 hours before the forthcoming elections, said, "We must act to shatter the money voter cascade; without fear or favor."
"From now on, Ogoni villagers are free to seize money from anyone spotted on Ogoni soil; anywhere and anytime, trying to give or receive money for votes, before or on election days," he added.
OCIA President disclosed that they received credible intelligence on political parties, politicians, and what he called "dubious partisan freelancers," secretly plotting to buy votes in Ogoniland.
"Our intelligence indicators identify some individuals and villages in Babbe, Bori, Eleme, Kenkhana, Kibangha, Kiisi, Numuu, Nyokhana, Taayee, and Tuatua provinces," he said.
He said villagers must remain vigilant day and night in "their own villages", and act within the perimeters, and may issue "support alert", to command collective action in line with OCIA guidelines.
Titled ‘Ogoni Villagers Directed To Confiscate Money For Votes,’ the OCIA President maintained that the monitors and other villagers can use secret means to document anyone involved, including uniform officers; aiding and abetting the criminality.
The statement signed by OCIA Media and Public Affairs Director, Tambari Deekor, quoted the president as saying that the use of money to buy votes is an attack on the freedom of the Ogoni people who deserve an open and responsive government.
As a distinct indigenous nation, Diigbo said, "Ogoni aspires to a model of legitimate, and transparent government; valid on the basis of our own economic, political, and social structures.
"Our effort to subvert voter money cascade is a necessity; because in the spirit of self-determination, the right to attain minimum standards for survival, dignity, and well-being requires the vigilance of the Ogoni themselves."