By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
Participants at a One day Post 2023 Governorship Election Review Meeting For Political Parties in Kogi state have recommended to political parties to do more to include young persons in their internal party activities through effective specific policies that would encourage youths in party leadership positions.
The participants made the recommendation in their communique in Lokoja,signed by Idris Miliki Abdul,Executive Director,CONSCIENCE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION (CHRCR)LOKOJA on Thursday.
“That the current attitude of opposition parties in Kogi State where parties seem weak to challenge the policies of government , is detrimental to forging a vibrant democracy and good governance
“There must be a deliberate effort by the incoming administration in the State to convene a State Conference to re-establish bonds within the citizens taking into consideration the level of distrust and disunity within 6 months of its inauguration*
“The State House of Assembly must ensure that the Youth Commission and the Ministry of Youths and Sports and other youth focused institutions have adequate funding to carryout activities aimed at improving the development of youths in the State
“Constitutional amendments to remove the age restriction for contesting election must be in the front burner of the current National Assembly, by amending the various sections that provide for the right of young persons at 18 years but can not vote at that age. We proposed that the Constitution should read “any citizen of Nigeria that has attained the age of 18 years, can vote and be voted for”, the communique said.
The participants called on the Nigeria Police to as a matter of urgency, conclude its investigations into the post-election violence that had characterized the aftermath of the 11th November 2023 Governorship elections in Kogi State, and make the outcome of such investigation to the public, as soon as possible.
According to them, political parties must be held accountable for the violent actions of their supporters before, during and especially after the elections in Kogi State.
“The Kogi State House of Assembly must immediately appropriate funds for the conduct of Local Government Council elections in the state as it is the level of government that provides the most effective platform for young persons to participate in democratic governance particularly at grassroot
” The Inter Party Advisory Council must re-invigorate its responses and actions towards holding the government accountable
“The Review meeting commended the Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) for its untiring efforts at improving youth involvement in leadership in Kogi State.
” It also appreciated The Nigeria Women Trust Fund and MacArthur Foundation for their support and partnership.
The review meeting was in partnership with the Women Ttust Fund Nigeria with support from MACAUTHUR FOUNDATION.
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