By Onyinyechi Nwankwo.
An international African-led non-governmental human rights advocacy organisation, Alliances for Africa, AfA, has urged citizens of Imo state be fully engaged and participate in governance, “which is crucial for sustaining the development of any society.”
The organization through its Executive Director, Ms Iheoma Obibi, during a press briefing in Owerri, recently, stressed the need for citizens engagement and participation in governance, adding that AfA through the support of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Mac Arthur Foundation, is implementing a project with the aim of fostering political reforms, social inclusion, gender equity, anti-corruption, transparency, accountability, strengthening policies and programs by addressing corruption in Imo state in preparations for the 2023 general elections.
“One of our approaches toward realizing the project goal is to develop the Citizens Charter of Demand (CCD-Imo State).
“The Imo State Citizens Charter of demand will aid and empower citizens to articulate their desired dividends of a true democratic process which will reflect service deliveries, better policy reforms, standard infrastructures, etc.
“The CCD-Imo State in addition amplifies citizens’ voices, articulates their desired dividends, and empowers them for strategic advocacy with their respective representatives at the tenth House of Assembly.”
In her speech, the group’s Programme Cordinator, Adaeze Egbunobi said that in view of the Saturday 11 election, a survey titled "The Imo State Citizens’ Charter of Demand”, was carried out among the citizens across the 27 Local Government of Imo state to identify the citizens’ immediate demands from the incoming government after the November 11th governorship election in the state.
From the research findings a sample of forty-three percent of Imo State citizens have said they would not participate in the forthcoming November 11th governorship election in the state.
The respondents cited insecurity, loss of confidence in the electioneering process and the election umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as among the reasons for their decision.
0 Comments