IMO LAWMAKERS SIGN AGREEMENT WITH CONSTITUENTS FOR PERIODIC INTERACTION
Regular interaction between legislators and their constituents will promote good governance and enhance quality representation at all levels of government.
The Executive Director of an Enugu-based non-governmental organization, Mrs. Onyeka, Udegbunam stated this at a sensitization organized for community leaders, legislators and other stakeholders at the 10 federal constituencies in Imo state.
The programme organized by a non-governmental organization in conjunction with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was aimed at enhancing quality representation and accountability among members of the legislature.
It also enlightened the people on the duties of parliamentarians and the need for periodic interaction between lawmakers and their constituents.
Addressing Stakeholders in Mbaitoli/Ikeduru and Aboh Mbaise/ Ngor Okpala Federal constituencies of Imo State, Mrs. Onyeka Udegbunam expressed regret that legislators often pass annual budgets of government without the input of those they represent.
She noted that the situation had led to misplacement of priorities in executing projects aimed at improving the lots of Nigerians.
“If those representing us do not come to the constituents to share ideas, to find out their needs and to hear from them, then there is a problem. Thank God Nigeria has signed into the open governance partnership, what we intend to achieve is participatory governance.”
The Head, Voter Education and Publicity, INEC Imo State, Mr. Sunday Adedoyin, appealed to the people to obtain their permanent voter’s cards to enable them to choose credible leaders in next year’s general election.
The representative of Aboh Mbaise constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Mike Iheanetu, advocated a legislation that would make compulsory for lawmakers to have regular interaction with their constituents.
“I challenge INEC to build into the electoral process, a feedback mechanism whereby if you elected into the legislature at any level, periodically you go back to the people to report back to them what you what you must have done, if you fail to do this the people can exercise their right of recall”.
The member representing Ikeduru constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Uche Oguwike, attributed the seeming gap existing between some legislators and their constituents to what he described as endless request for financial assistance.
He urged community leaders to be alive to their responsibilities in monitoring the efficiency of government facilities cited in their areas.
Highlight of the event was the signing of a social contract between lawmakers and their constituents to guarantee periodic interaction among them.
CHINAZO ILECHUKWU