From Ifeoma Ejiofor Nnewi
A coalition of civil society groups in Nnewi South LGA of Anambra State, has called for the establishment of Office of the Citizens (OOTC) help desk in the twenty one LGAs in the state.
The groups made their position known during an interactive session hosted by Justice, Development Peace Caritas (JDPC) Nnewi Catholic Diocese in partnership with a development partner, Enough is Enough Nigeria.
They insisted that the creation of the help desk would promote good governance, transparency and accountability adding that it would give them a voice for timely reporting of challenges and needs in their localities.
The proposed OOTC Help is expected to serve as a dedicated space where community members can actively engage with local governance issues and participate in decision-making processes.
The civil societies are of the opinion that the platform would help citizens relate with their LGA chairmen and councillors better by promptly reporting issues of interest at the proposed office.
Programme Manager of Enough is Enough Nigeria, Mr Usen Asanga, noted that the project is being implemented by his organisation in six states of the federation.
Mr Asanga said that the project has been launched in three LGAs of Anambra 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.
Chairman of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, noted that the office would help citizens to convey their needs and feelings to their government officials.
All the speakers from different civil societies expressed concern over poor engagements of citizens with the duty bearers.
