Femi Mustapha
Ahead of the 2023 general elections,
Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn (PERL) has urged Nigerians to set agenda for politicians seeking elective positions and should avoid the traditional campaign of ambitious promises that hardly materialise.
Mr Yusuf Goje from Coalition of Leadership, Poverty Empowerment and Development (CALPED) make the plea in Kaduna while addressing participants at a one-day session with Accountability Mechanisms including the media.
He challenged relevant Stakeholders and critical Mass to resist any attempt by political elites to take advantage of primordial sentiments to score selfish political gains.
The activist explained that with multi-facet tribal groups, diverse background and multiple religious setting, Nigerians must raise the bar on who is elected into office in the country above sentiments, and concentrate on competence and credibility of the candidates irrespective of political affiliation.
Goje added that the section 14 2A, 2B and 2C of the 1999 constitution as amended, defined what a democracy should be; which means, sovereign belongs to the people and government should be about the security and welfare of the people.
He insisted that it is high time Nigerians adopt a structural system that would enable political leaders answerable for their deeds in office to the citizens as the next election draws nearer.
Goje therefore called the stakeholders to reawakening Nigerians on electing credible and competent leaders that will ensure justice and fairness across the board and bring about peace and unity in the country.
In his remark, the state team lead, PERL, Mr Abel Adejor expressed dismay that the youth who have the largest numbers are not exercising their votes right.
Adejor however, said the online registration is encouraging many youths to register, but he advised them to go to the nearest INEC office for Data capturing unless the registration become invalidated
” As a collective, demand of leaders, the requirements of social progression, economic growth, security of lives and properties at all tiers of government. We must elect leadership that will ensure inclusiveness, transparency in government and integrity in the business of governance.
This according to him will translates to making political leaders answerable for their deeds in office to the citizens; and ensure compliance by leaders to their commitments.
Speaking earlier, Mr Istifanus Akau explained that the objectives of the meeting is to support Health and Education accountability mechanisms to synthesize demand /issues generated for agenda setting that would influence policy decision in the sectors leverage on electoral cycle.
“To facilitate media dialogue with citizens and mechanisms for sustaining civil conversation on the issue generated by partners for the agenda setting with focus on health and education issues
” To integrate health and education issues generated into the app developed for tracking campaign commitments “he said
