Take Ownership of Democracy – Group tells Nigerian Youths

By Praise Chinecherem

Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra and other citizens, especially Nigerian youths have been urged to take ownership of democracy which rightly belongs to them.

State Support Officer, Open Parly Nigeria in Anambra, Ujunwa Ananwude, made the appeal when she led other Community of Practice (CoP) members on a road show and Civic Education programme carried out around the University Community to sensitize students and other residents about governance and the need to periodically hold their representatives accountable for their stewardship.

Open Parly is anchored by a Non-Governmental Organization, Connected Development (CODE) and supported by Magamba Network, to awaken the consciousness of the citizens towards making representative democracy yield positive results in the country.

The event, which started with a road show from the popular Book Foundation junction, got terminated around the back gate of the University, where participants and passersby were educated on their civic responsibilities including holding their leaders and representatives accountable.

Ananwude, blamed poor governance and bad representation on docile citizenship as many Nigerians according to her do not care about what happens in government. “Open Parly means Open Parliament. It is designed to ensure that people’s representatives are accountable to the people.

“Do you know who is representing you? If you know, do you question them about their stewardship? There are projects awarded to be executed across many communities every year. Are you aware when your community is involved? When you see the contractor mobilize to site, do you care to know the project specifications so that you can closely monitor? Do you concern yourself with the utilization for the money meant for constituency projects? These are our duties as citizens.

“Open Parly wants you to hold your leaders, councillors, Presidents General, local government chairmen and lawmakers to account. As them – why is it that our schools and health centres are not working? Remember, one person cannot change Nigeria and Anambra state. we need to join hands with our leaders to salvage our country. We sent them there, we elected into office, we ought to ask them questions.

“Also, as citizens we must seek information about governance so we can ask the right questions to our representatives. I encourage you people to join Open Parly Nigeria. Make your comments and contributions for the betterment of Nigeria, Anambra State and our community,” she concluded.

One of the Community of Practice, CoP members, Alfred Ajayi, enjoined residents to take ownership of democracy which truly belongs to them. “Democracy is our own. It does not belong to the President, Senate President, or our state governor. It belongs to us and we must take ownership of it. We are in the current pitiable conditions because we left governance for our elected representatives.

“Are you among those who say it does not concern them? Just consider this – only a three-letter statement by the President, “subsidy is gone” has put the entire country in trouble since May 29, 2023. Many thriving businesses and promising jobs have gone with subsidy. This tells you that what they do there impacts on all of us.

Another CoP member, Jane Kenechukwu, added, “You must get involved and ensure that we have the right set of people at the corridor of power. This is the purpose we come to sensitize and educate you about your duties as citizens of Nigeria.

“Open Parly, a project by Connected Development, CODE, has come to educate us all that we need to hold our leaders especially those at the various houses of assembly from the national to the local government level to account for their representation. When they get to know that we care and we will someday ask them to account for their stewardship, they tend to represent us well”.

One of the participants, George Onuoha, appreciated the move by Connected Development in getting Nigerians especially the youths to be alive to their responsibility of holding their representatives in government accountable.

“I listened to you people and I feel that this is a good project. It teaches us about the policies and programmes of government and how they affect our lives. It also helps the youths to develop the mindset of leadership. I also think that the youths should key into this type of campaign as our little contribution towards reclaiming our country”.

In the words of another participant, Samuel Obasi, “Open Parly is a welcome development. They have come to mobilise the youths to take active part in politics and governance. In Nigeria, the youths are largely apolitical and that is why the government does whatever they like.

“In the face of the current economic quagmire, the youths must rise and make the leaders to do the right things for the good of all and sundry. If the youths get involved, they are vibrant and understand the trend. They will be able to address the current problems of the country,” Obasi submitted.