Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Stakeholders in Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State, have thrown their weight behind the calls for the creation of ‘Office of the Citizens (OOTC)’ Help Desk in the local council areas in the state.
They said the move would help to promote good governance, transparency and accountability. They also said it would give them a voice for timely reporting of challenges and needs in their localities.
The people made their feelings known in Urum during a major stakeholders meeting with Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC) Nnewi, a faith-based non-profit organisation, and its development partner, Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria.
Ikengaonline learned that the proposed office (OOTC Help Desk), when created, would serve as a dedicated space where community members can actively engage with local governance issues and participate in decision-making processes.
It also learnt that the platform was to help citizens relate with their local government Chairmen and Councillors by reporting issues like insecurity, human rights abuses, poorly done projects, challenges in education and healthcare, among others.
Programme Manager of Enough is Enough Nigeria, Mr Usen Asanga, explained that the project is being implemented by his organisation in six states including Anambra State.
He stated that the project in Anambra has been launched in three LGAs in three senatorial districts of the state to promote citizen involvement in decision-making for accountability and good governance at the local level.
Director of JDPC Nnewi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Ben Chima Okolo, in a remark, stated that the project tagged, ‘My Local Government,’ is geared towards enhancing grassroots governance by sensitising the public to hold the government accountable.
He stressed the importance of citizen participation in democratic processes and indicated JDPC’s dedication to advocating for good governance at the local level.
State Coordinator of MYLGA Project, Mr. Onyekachi Ololo, emphasised the importance of the Citizen Help Desk as a platform for citizens to share ideas and concerns for the benefit of the community.
From their respective reactions, the people expressed confidence that the OOTC can help close the gap of governance between them and their elected officials.
Traditional Ruler of Urum, Igwe Benedict Okafor-Nweke, while welcoming the initiative, expressed readiness to support it. He promised to assist in mobilising other communities in the Council to participate in the new initiative.
Meanwhile, the Traditional Prime Minister of Amanuke Community, Chief Charles Obi, welcomed the development, emphasising its importance in maintaining peace and progress in the hinterland.
Chief Obi highlighted the urgent need for a Citizen Desk officer in Awka North to facilitate communication with the government and promote unity and sincerity of purpose among the community members.
Chairman of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, said the office will avail citizens opportunity to convey their needs and feelings to their government officials.
OOTC Champion, Mr Albert Chiwuko from Urum, Awka North, recounted how they monitored projects and provided observations on the status of the project to the government that shifted attention to the contractor which led to the effective implementation of the project.
He expressed his gratitude for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s assistance in providing basic amenities to the people of Awka North, and stressed the importance of constructing Urum-Achalla road to further develop the community.
Hon. Onyeka Umerie, a politician, expressed concern about the lack of citizen engagement with political leaders leading to the presence of quacks in health centers due to professional resignations.
Others who spoke at the event maintained that providing a channel for citizens to voice their grievances and advocate for change will enthrone transparency and accountability in grassroots governance.
