TRANSITION MONITORING GROUP SETS AGENDA FOR CANDIDATES AHEAD OF 2019 POLL

“With a properly planned charter, signed and delivered by each candidate, the people will have a tool with which governance can be measured and people can insist on accountable government”, she emphasised

The statement added that, the plan will congregate citizens to develop a charter of demands that will make political parties and elected representative more responsible and accountable prior, during and post elections.

‘The initiative will also aim at promoting a strategy that will support more citizens’ participation, strengthen accountability and ensure inclusive processes in Nigeria’,the statement stressed.

The Group stated that in line with the objectives it has been able to inaugurate the Citizen Charter Movement in 17 states in the South West, South East and South South, of the country, and has also set up mechanisms upon which Nigerians will convey their aspirations through town hall meetings which will allow for the desired engagement with candidates ahead of 2019.

The Chairperson said, as at today thousands of Nigerians have volunteered to be part of the organised Charter Movement which began with the Osun State Election in September 2018, stating  further that,the body  has been in consultation with other key stakeholders including labour, private sector, informal sectors, religious, minority and indigenous groups, people with disabilities, youths and women associations since the Osun elections..

She explained that, the consultation is to ensure a wide stakeholder buy in to the draft charter of demands which emerged from the various retreats organised by the group in partnership with the Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn (PERL).

Penpushing reports that, Akiyode-Afolabi said, the body will continue this engagement in the Northern Zone in November and also launch the town hall meetings across the 36 States in December 2018,recalling that at .the meeting  held in Calabar, Cross Rivers, the group, resolved that members should begin consultations through town hall meeting to ensure that political parties and their candidates in the States sign the peoples charter ahead of the elections.