Ingra Initiative for Grassroot Advancement Commitment to rural development
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Tel: 08033177259, 08067076015
Website: www.ingranigeria.org E-mail: info@ingranigeria.org, ingralokoja@yahoo.com
Address: 27 Clarence Olafemi Street, Behind Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT END OF THE 2-DAY RETREAT FOR STATE LEGISLATORS AND CIVIL SOCIETY ON PARTICIPATORY AND INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE THROUGH IMPLEMENTATION OF EFFECTIVE CONSTITUENCY OFFICES ORGANIZED BY INITIATIVE FOR GRASSROOT ADVANCEMENT IN NIGERIA (INGRA) WITH SUPPORT FROM CIVIL SOCIETY SITUATION ROOM/PLAC HELD AT AYONETE HOTELS AND SUITES LOKOJA FROM THURSDAY 7TH TO FRIDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2023
BACKGROUND:
The role of the legislature in a democracy is existential to an enduring culture of participation of citizens in the determination of how they are governed. The vibrancy of the elected representatives and their capacity to perform their constitutional roles and responsibilities is key to engendering public confidence and trust that are crucial in the performance of their job of law making, oversight and representation of their constituency. Use of constituency office has been in the front burner as this has been a challenge especially at sub-national levels.
The role of Civil Society over the years since the return to democracy in 1999 to enhance the relationship between elected representatives and their constituents through advocacy and demand for functional Constituency offices has often caused friction.
This 2-Day Retreat is aimed at strengthening the relationship between the leadership and members of the Kogi State House of Assembly and the Civil Society and foster collaborative initiatives that support the improved representation of citizens by the elected law makers. It will also enhance the functionalities of the Constituency offices and increase participation and engagement of citizens in state governance processes.
The Retreat had in attendance the Hon Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly and the leadership of the House, all members of the House, all Secretaries/Clerks of the House Standing Committees, members of the Kogi State Civil Society Situation Room, select Civil Society Organizations from the 3 Senatorial Districts, and the Media.
Paper presentation on Roles of the Legislature in Democracy, Roles of Citizens in Accountability in Governance, Overview of the 2023 Kogi State Budget and Budgeting process were made, with plenary discussions on implementation challenges and recommended amendments on the Kogi State Disability Law, Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law and the Kogi State Child Rights Law. There were also Question and Answer sessions where clarifications on burning and emerging issues were sought and given.
There was also a discussion session and submission of a Constituency Charter of Demand by participants from Adavi State Constituency to their elected representative.
OBSERVATIONS
The retreat observed the following:
• That there has been a sustained effort by the State Government at making available information on Government financial statements and Budget to citizens through its online website.
• The relationship between The Kogi State House of Assembly and the Civil Society has not been as collaborative and robust as it should be
• There was a refreshing willingness and expressed commitment by the leadership and members of the current 8th State Assembly to work with the Civil Society
• That the expectations from citizens of their elected representatives at the House of Assembly, do not sometimes correlate with the constitutional roles and responsibilities of the members
• Some of the challenges of the House of Assembly identified included weak institutional capacity, low resource allocations and deficit in public trust
• Some of the Standing House Committees of the House of Assembly such as the public petitions and Public Accounts committees, have not been as effective as expected
• that the Administration of Governor Yahaya Bello has improved the participation and inclusion of Women in the present 8th Assembly
• that Citizens engagement by the elected law makers has not been as robust as it should especially in the area of State Budgeting process
• the Civil Society has access to resources that the elected members could leverage on in the performance of their duties
• that resource allocations in the State Budget were low in the social sector and too heavy on the Administration sector
• The Kogi State House of Assembly has no official website .
• that the State government under Alhaji Yahaya Bello has been pro-active in implementing laws and accenting to Bills that improve and promote the lives of vulnerable groups like women, children and persons with disabilities
RECOMMENDATIONS:
• that the openness and transparency in the release of financial documents by the State Government must continue as it guarantees trust and confidence in the handling of Kogi State resources
• that the Civil Society -House of Assembly relationship must be strengthened and should evolve to a more collaborative synergy
• that the demeanour and disposition of the present 8th Assembly leadership and members to work with the Civil Society should be strengthened as it will improve the citizen participation in the activities of the House of Assembly
• Citizens and stakeholders must lessen their “non constitutional” expectations on the elected House of Assembly members as the current status quo was distractive and unsustainable for the State development
• Resources allocation to the House of Assembly need to be improved to ensure they have the required funds to perform their constitutional responsibilities
• Need for the Civil Society to support the improvement of functions of the House committees especially those that provide transparency in public expenditure and provide a grievance address mechanism
• There should and must be deliberate actions aimed at increasing women inclusion in the membership of the House of Assembly
• The allocations to the social sector of the 2024 Draft Budget must be increased to cater for issues that affect vulnerable citizens
• There should be a reduction in the budget allocation to the Administration sector to free up funds for other social sector such as education, health, environment, Agriculture, etc.
• The House of Assembly should establish a Civil Society Desk to improve their engagement and access to information on the activities of the House
• That a website that archives the processes, motions and documentation among other functions, be developed for the Kogi State House of Assembly.
• There was an urgent need to begin amendments of the Child rights Law, Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law and the Disability Office law to address gaps in their implementations
The Participants of the Retreat appreciated The Civil Society Situation Room and PLAC for the support and urged for more such engagements.
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HAMZA ALIYU
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
INGRA