Aniefiok Christopher
Participants at Friday’s Town Hall meeting in Uyo affirmed that Nigerian leaders are insincere about the development of the country, despite practising democracy for 24 years.
This position was reached at the 15th Town Hall meeting organised by the Open Forum Care For Humanity Foundation graced by the political class, erudite scholars and royal fathers including Sen. Emmanuel Ibok Essien of Ritman University and Prof Akpan Ekpo, a renowned economist, as the Guest Speaker.
Presenting a paper on the theme: Deepening Democracy In Nigeria: The Struggle Between Politics And Governance, the guest speaker, Prof Akpan Ekpo said the struggle between politics and governance has over the years brought untold hardship to the vast majority of Nigerian citizens.
According to him, the ruling class seems not to know when politics ends and good governance starts, insisting that the country cannot deepen democracy when the economy is generator driven, 133 million Nigerians are multidimensionally poor, 85 per cent of the citizens have no access to the basic necessities of life and unemployment rate is at 38 per cent, whereas 10 per cent of the citizens are benefiting from the vast resources of the country.
Senator Ibok Essien, who stood in for ex-Akwa Ibom Governor, Obong Victor Attah, said though politics and governance are interwoven, the two should be separated for the overall good of the citizens.
The Founder of Ritman University and Chairman, Pan Niger Delta Forum said the essence of governance is for the public good, irrespective of the offices that the political class occupy, they should aim to satisfy the interest of the populace, hence only credible persons should be voted for public offices to avoid the mismanagement of the people’s resources.
The Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Emmanuel Ibok Essien, said the society needs men like MKO who, in spite of challenges, are ready to stand up for the growth and development of their fatherland, as he promised his kind support towards the success of the Open Forum Initiatives.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Open Forum Advisory Council, Edidem Edet Akpan Inyang, Paramount Ruler of Itu, had said Nigerians desire selfless leaders who are transparent and ready to make sacrifices for the good of all, with good visions to transform the society.
Inyang applauded the people-oriented style of leadership adopted by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, while calling for the support of the people to make the Governor end well.
He seized the opportunity to commend Citizen Matthew Kofi Okono (MKO) for standing in the gap for the oppressed Nigerian citizens, describing him as a sincere, committed and passionate person.
Flagging off Akwa Ibom and Nigerian Dream Compass Initiative, the Father of the day and Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet who spoke on the role of traditional rulers in deepening democracy, advocated the need for traditional rulers to be accorded a say in the governance of the country.
According to the monarch, the traditional institution had in time past, remained the bedrock of the people’s administration until in 1976 when they were relegated to the background as mere advisers.
He, on behalf of the traditional rulers, announced a donation of N500,000 in support of the Open Forum Initiatives.
Speaking earlier, the Convener of the Town Hall Meeting, Citizen Matthew Kofi Okono said the Open Forum Initiative has been part of his passion to contribute his quota towards the upliftment of humanity and make the society a better place.
According to him, the initiative which started in 2010 has so far organised 15 Town Hall Meetings where critical issues affecting the welfare of the state, have been raised, though with little or zero implementation on the side of the policy makers.
Citizen MKO said he has refused to give up on the dream because of patriotic citizens who share similar passion to help the society have the required progress and development.
“We are gathered here today, because of the state of Nigeria. For me, politics is over, it’s time for governance and our leaders at their respective offices may not understand what governance is, hence this is intended to deliberate on issues affecting us with the view to proffer solutions to socio-economic problems confronting Nigeria,” he hinted.
Speaking further, he said that informed the choice of the theme; Deepening Democracy In Nigeria: The Struggle Between Politics And Governance with a paper presentation by the former Vice Chancellor, amongst other erudite scholars and royal fathers in the State.
The Convener assured that the outcome of the Town Hall Meeting, which will be made in form of a Communiqué will be sent as recommendations to government at different levels for adoption.
He said the War Against Nigerian Factor should be replaced with the Nigerian Dream as well as the Open Forum Happy Hour of giving voice to the voiceless and oppressed in support of Gov Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
The high point of the Town Hall Meeting was the panel discussion on the theme of the event where the panelists including Bishop Ahaziah Umanah, Chief Executive Officer of Redemption F.M Abak, Prof Emmanuel A. Onwioduokit, Economics Department, University of Uyo; Mrs Emem Nkereuwem, public affairs analyst, brainstormed on the issues raised during the presentation.
Speaking separately, the panelists raised several issues undermining democratic growth in the country and called for a paradigm shift, if the country must make any meaningful progress.
