Strengthening Democracy in Kogi: The Role of Citizens’ Assembly and Town Hall Meeting.

By Dada Ahmed.

Mrs.Abiodun Eassiet, SSAP,Community Engagement (North Central) reading her speech at the occasion.

In recent years, participatory democracy has gained traction across Nigeria, with Kogi State emerging as a notable example.

Volunteers taking oath of office.

This progress is exemplified by the Ododo-led administration’s efforts to deepen democracy through recent political appointments across the 21 local government areas, alongside other inclusive measures to entrench participatory governance.

Members of kogi Unity Movement, KUM, one of the NGOs that attended the occasion.

The implementation of Citizens’ Assemblies and town hall meetings is proving to be a powerful approach to enhancing democratic engagement and empowering citizens.

Citizens’ Assemblies serve as platforms where diverse groups of residents gather to discuss pressing issues and propose solutions. These gatherings aim to foster inclusivity and ensure that all voices, regardless of socio-economic status, are heard in the decision-making process.

In Kogi State, it is gratifying to note that Citizens’ Assembly and town hall meeting have become vital in bridging the gap between government officials and the community, promoting transparency and accountability.

Political analysts describe town hall meetings as crucial in complementing Citizens’ Assemblies by providing an informal setting for dialogue between citizens and their representatives.

These events encourage open discussions about local governance, allowing citizens to express concerns and suggest improvements directly to policymakers. Many politically engaged citizens in Kogi believe that town hall meetings can help demystify governmental processes and empower citizens to take an active role in shaping their communities.

The sentiment among Kogites is that, the combination of Citizens’ Assembly and town hall meeting will significantly enhance civic engagement in the state. By creating space for dialogue, citizens are informed about their rights and responsibilities, motivating them to actively participate in the democratic process and ensure good governance. These platforms can heighten citizen engagement and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards local governance.

The importance of Citizens’ Assembly and town hall meeting to boost participatory democracy in Kogi State was underscored on September 18, 2024, when many citizens attended an event at Ayonete Hotels and Resort in Lokoja, the state capital.

The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central) set the agenda for the town hall meeting and launched the Citizens’ Assembly to enhance participatory democracy and good governance in the state.

Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), emphasized that the Citizens’ Assembly was created to collectively tackle community problems and foster an inclusive society where every voice is heard. She described the launch of the Citizens’ Assembly as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward fostering inclusivity and grassroots representation in governance.

Essiet expressed optimism that the Citizens’ Assembly would enhance community engagement and build trust between the Federal Government and its citizens. She stated, “It establishes a direct connection, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and considered in the corridors of power.”

To gain clearer insight into the challenges facing Nigerians at the grassroots level, her office conducted a survey in March 2024, involving 166 respondents from the North Central region, including Abuja, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau states. The findings revealed a significant disconnect between the Federal Government and local communities:

She gave insights of the survey thus:48.2% of participants perceive a lack of engagement from the Federal Government,
78.3% feel unrepresented in the government’s policies and decision-making processes,
62.1% consider community engagement organizations effective.

According to her, 68.7% believe the government does not consult with local communities before implementing projects.

However, nearly 90% believe that co-creation can lead to more sustainable and contextually relevant solutions.

These findings indicate a substantial gap in trust and communication between the Federal Government and local communities, stemming from unfulfilled promises by successive governments over the past 25 years since the return to democratic rule, she further disclosed.

Essiet stressed that the Citizens’ Assembly would bridge this gap by enabling citizens to engage with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promoting national cohesion through strategic engagement.

The occasion also show cased town hall meeting to enable her “listen, inform, and collaborate with citizens.”

Essiet stated, “We are here to listen to your concerns, challenges, and aspirations. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us understand what is working and where we need to do more.”
She emphasized the importance of transparency and active citizen participation in driving change.”

Highlights of the occasion include goodwill messages, a keynote address by the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Prof. Usman Ogbo, a feedback session, and the taking of oaths for volunteers.

The event also featured sessions focusing on “The Spirit of Volunteerism: Fostering Community Growth,” “The Federal, State, and Local Governments’ Role in Community Engagement and Building Citizens’ Patriotism,” and “The Role of Volunteers in the Citizens’ Assembly.”

While many attendees described the SSAP’s initiative as a positive step towards good governance in Kogi State, concerns remain.

Citizens fear that many are still unaware of the significance of these events or skeptical about their effectiveness.

Continuous outreach and education campaigns, they observe are deemed essential for achieving success in participatory democracy.

Collaborations with local NGOs and community leaders can amplify these efforts, ensuring that more residents understand and utilize these democratic tools.

The consensus at the event is that, the initiatives of the Citizens’ Assembly and town hall meeting represent a promising shift toward a more participatory democracy in Kogi State.

By empowering citizens and fostering open dialogue, these platforms will play a crucial role in shaping a more responsive and accountable government.

Political analysts argue that Kogi is setting a powerful example for other states striving to enhance democratic engagement and maximize the benefits of participatory democracy and good governance.

Ahmed publishes The Reporters.
ahmeddada008@gmail.com