Election: Centre Cautions Politicians Against Hate, Dangerous Speech

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has appealed to the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Prince Uche Secondus, to caution their party faithful to desist from dangerous and hateful speeches during campaigns, saying doing that could truncate the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming general elections.

The centre noted some comments attributed to the Kano state APC chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas and those of PDP chairman, Rogo local government area of the state as well as the NUTW chairman, Oshodi, Lagos state, describing the comments as real threat to the elections.

Addressing journalists in Kano on Tuesday, the coordinator, curbing hate and dangerous speech project, CITAD, Malam Hamza Ibrahim said since the campaigns started about a month back, the centre had observed a growing number of hateful and dangerous speeches by politicians at different political gatherings.

He said, “In the past few weeks we have documented phrases statements such as ‘Tsinsiya tsiyace’ by PDP chairman, Rogo local government, Kano state, (meaning APC is evil); ‘Koda tsiya, koda tsiya-tsiya sai munci zabe’ by Hon. Abdullahi Abbas, APC chairman Kano state (meaning whether in trouble or chaos we must win); ‘I will deliver Oshodi for Sanwo-Olu if PDP like it or not, we are ready if they bring 100 guns we will bring 200 guns and bomb. We are going to kill those who will not vote for Sanwo-Olu in this Oshodi’ by NURTW Chairman, Oshodi Lagos state.”

Ibrahim said condoning hate and dangerous speech as well as fake news in the build up to the much anticipated elections was not only threatening to the conduct of the elections, but the experience after.

He appealed to the politicians to exercise restraints in their utterances so as not to set the country on flames.

Communiqué Issued At The Social Influencers Cluster Meeting On Anti Corruption And Accountability Project

PREAMBLE

On January 15, 2018, the Social Influencers Cluster on Deepening Anti-Corruption and Spreading Accountability led by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) and supported by MacArthur Foundation held it First quarter meeting. The participants were sub grantees working on anti-corruption and accountability project. Over 20 Social Influencers took turns at the meeting to speak on their experience on the project on anti-corruption and accountability. The meeting which held at Newton Park, Abuja allowed members of the cluster to review their work and reflect on the uptake of accountability and anti-corruption issues in the current campaigns by political parties for the 2019 General Election.

OBSERVATIONS

  1. Participants noted with dismay that corruption has remained a major development challenge  in the country in spites of the efforts by all
  2. That current campaigns by the major political parities are enmeshed in corrupt practices such as buying delegates, buying of PVCs, arbitrary replacement of candidates, etc
  3. That parties are yet to come up with clear frameworks and strategies for deepening anti-corruption and spreading accountability  in the post-election period
  4. That intrigues, competition and political calculations have rendered the government anti-corruption agenda ineffective,
  5. That citizens are still largely onlookers for a fight that should be their

COMMITMENTS

The members of the Cluster reiterated their commitment to deploy creative and innovative strategies to campaign for the mainstreaming of anti-corruption and accountability issues in the electioneering campaign and in enabling citizens to hold elected governments accountable. In particular, the cluster members shall continue to work in their various spheres to:

  • Sensitize and mobilize citizens to take anti-corruption struggle as theirs and therefore demand to play active role in it
  • Create more opportunities for multiplying the grassroots voices against corruption and placing them before the table of candidates and their political parties especially
  • Create avenues for candidates and parties to explain their strategies to the electorates on how they intend to tackle corruption and improve on accountability if elected
  • To engage with all anti-corruption agencies and authorities in the country with a view to getting them to be more proactive, more effective, efficient and more rooted in in rule of law in the investigation and prosecution of proven cases of corruption
  • To continue to monitor and provide evidence-based documentation about the impact of corruption on the lives of citizens as means for advocacy and engagement with other stakeholders

RECOMMENDATIONS

Participants agreed to the following recommendations”

  1. That there is need for transparency in the prosecution of the Federal Government anti-corruption agenda
  2. That all state governments that do not have state level anti-corruption agencies should do
  3. That as part of the oversight function of the National Assembly, should have a robust and clear anti-corruption mechanism that will investigate and report corruption practices in the ministries, departments and agencies they oversight to relevant anti-corruption agencies
  4. That there is need for inter-agency cooperation and coordination in the fight against corruption at all levels
  5. That political parties should come out with clear anti-corruption strategies for the country
  6. That political parties and candidates should make their themselves available to citizens’ forums to explain their manifestoes, especially aspects dealing with anti-corruption and promoting accountability
  7. That civil society groups are urged to document campaign promises of candidates and parties with a view to using these as benchmarks for holding elected persons accountable in the post elections period
  8. That parties and candidates are urged to focus on issues in their campaign than personality
  9. That electorates are urged to carefully  scrutinize the manifestoes of the various parties and the candidates and make informed judgment on election days

CITAD: Dr. Tunde Misbahu Akanni (CITAD)

Danlami Nmodu (Social Influencer)

Ayo Obe (Social Influencer)

Richard Akinnola (Social Influencer)

Cluster Meeting On Deepening Anti Corruption And Spreading Accountability Project

INTRODUCTION

For over many decades, corruption has become the most destructive phenomenon which wearies away the economic growth and development of the entire Nigerian state. Corruption has penetrated to all levels of starting from the wards in local government areas and up to the federal level of government. Similarly, Nigeria is a state that is blessed with all forms   of resources including land, human and natural resources that could place the state in the top countries of the world and compete with first world countries. Unfortunately, the persistent political corruption and lack accountability in Nigeria have kept Nigeria backward with excessive embezzlement of public fund by political officers, election rigging, bribery etc in all sectors including health, security and education.

Fighting corruption and promoting accountability therefore is collective and a task for all. To discharge their responsibilities in line with this postulations, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), with support from MacArthur Foundation started implementing a project titled “Anti-corruption and Accountability,” where CITAD is working with 26 social influencers who use the influence especially on social media and other media outlet to influence citizens in Nigeria to stand against corruption and advocate for accountability at all level of government.

On January 15, 2018, the Social Influencers Cluster on Deepening Anti-Corruption and Spreading Accountability led by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) and supported by MacArthur Foundation held it First quarter meeting. The participants were sub grantees working on anti-corruption and accountability project. Over 20 Social Influencers took turns at the meeting to speak on their experience on the project on anti-corruption and accountability. The meeting which held at Newton Park, Abuja allowed members of the cluster to review their work and reflect on the uptake of accountability and anti-corruption issues in the current campaigns by political parties for the 2019 General Election.

While giving an opening remarks at the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Tunde Misbahu Akanni who chaired the meeting, harped on the need for members of the cluster to adhere to the deadlines for the submission of quarterly reports, as such delays hamper the prompt release of subsequent tranches of funds.

This point was further adumbrated by Dayo Olaide, the representative of MacArthur Foundation, Dayo Olaide during general discussion who stressed on the importance of prompt filling of reports. He also emphasized the need for sub-grantees to avoid the issue of conflict of interests in the course of their work particularly as we approach the general election.

ACTIVITIES DURING THE MEETING

The Meeting was divided into three segments.

1ST SEGMENT:

The first segment consisted of presentations; one on “Understanding the Human Cost of Conflict and Corruption in Nigeria,” by Chris Kwaja of Centre for Peace and Security Studies, Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola, Adamawa State. In his presentation, Chris Kwaja explained that despite the victimhood associated with their experiences with conflicts, many Nigerians lack the power to exercise their civic rights in relations to the demand for accountability and transparency as it relates to conflict related responses by state and non-state actors. He lamented that Corruption has become a dominant features of responses by these actors – monies appropriated, distributed and used under the guise of conflict related interventions are mis-applied, mis-used or stolen through official and unofficial means.

In his presentation, Kwaja also explained how corruption has killed Nigeria to a bottom line. He stated that corruption erodes public trust on the state and its institutions, thereby perpetuating a regime of impunity. Similarly, citizens are cut off from knowledge of what happens to the monies meant to address their problems, leading to social tension (Boko Haram emerged because the state is ‘corrupt’). In the eyes of the citizens, the state is also perceived as corrupt in way it allocates and uses resources to fight Boko Haram).

At the end of his presentation, he opined that empowering communities to demand social accountability through the availability of information as well as the right communication tools and channel for combating corruption is imperative and a collective responsibility. Another important point he made was to train key community actors on the monitoring and tracking of the distribution of budgeted funds and relief materials

The second presentation was on “Creativity in the Fight against Corruption” by one of the subgrantees, Diego Odoh Okenyedo (Splendors of Dawn), who uses creativity in poetry to deepen anti-corruption and spread accountability. Diego explained that creativity such as in Drama and poetry could be used to send messages on anticorruption and accountability in an entertaining manner. Citizens including young people as well as political officers could be connected with anticorruption and the need for accountability and transparency through poetry, pop culture, stage drama etc. This could be done by using imagination of original ideas to create messages on anticorruption and accountability. He explained that key elements in doing that involved associating by drawing connections between questions, problems or ideas from unrelated field; question by  posing queries that challenge common wisdoms, observing by identifying new ways of doing things, networking by meeting people wth different ideas and perspectives and lastly; experimenting by constructing interactive experiences and provoking responses to see new insights.

2ND SEGMENT 2:

The Second segments consisted of issues relating to the activities implemented by each sub-grantee. 21 social influencers attended the meeting and shared their experiences on their various activities and their challenges. The activities carried out by the social influencers in the first quarter included poetry, documentary, drama, journals, radio programme, online news updates, daily tweets and researches etc.

Challenges as shared by the social influencers include:

  • Getting across to the politicians and political stakeholders.
  • People are not willing to engage themselves in matters that concerns their rights.
  • People challenge some of the social influencers thinking that they are not neutral and or were being paid by some politicians to carry out the activities.
  • Physical threats from people against some staff who went to public areas for shooting.
  • Some Sub grantees made known that the project has been yielding positive results.
  • In some locations in Nigeria no much is been said on anti-corruption and accountability, citizens in that region talk more on insecurity which is a challenge.
  • The issue of feedback from the citizens is a challenge.

In this segment also, the CITAD team discussed on how to properly prepare report and retirement for each quarter. Aliyu Dahiru Aliyu who is the M&E officer, Spoke from the monitoring and evaluation perspectives and stated some guidelines on how to properly meet all its requirement. Maryam Ado Haruna, the programme officer also explained the guidelines needed to be followed while filling the quarterly narrative form. She also stated that there is need for monthly update of each sub-grantees activities, adding that a timetable would be developed and sent to them to know when they need to submit any required document. This was to enable timely submissions on time and avoid unnecessary delays as experienced in the first quarter. Abubakar Yusuf Auyo, the project accountant also stated requirements for the financial report including supporting documents of all transaction made with the project fund.

3RD SEGMENT:

In the third segment which was the last segment, consisted of general discussion and observation on corruption in Nigeria. The outcomes were:

  • The participants discussed that People on the ground who are directly affected by the conflict in the North East can sometimes see the international agencies themselves as beneficiaries of the insurgency and feel that they themselves do not always meet the highest accountability standards.
  • Similarly, there is a backlash against those working on accountability issues when it come s to the fight against the insurgency in the North East or the provision of humanitarian aid.
  • Again, the issue of production of fake news has aided toward deepening corruption in Nigeria.
  • At the end of the meeting, the communique drafted during the meeting was presented and was signed by CITAD and the social influencers.
  • It is important to collaborate with other social media influencers working on the anticorruption project, in the print media, the performing art and other socially conscious CSOs.
  • Many Nigerians lack the power to exercise their civic rights in relations to the demand for accountability and transparency as it relates to conflict related responses by state and non-state actors.
  • The Nigeria’s security sector remains one of the most visible actor in the country’s conflict landscape
  • Security funds are outside the budget and financial reporting systems (they don’t account to anyone about how such funds were spent.
  • The issue of diversion of relief materials by aid workers, government officials and diversion of humanitarian funds through fraudulent contracts
  • There is practice of classified expenditure under the guide of security votes, which end up as slush funds that are spent without any iota of accountability.

December 2018: Inspiring Leadership Reflection Interactive Series

By Maryam Ado Haruna.

The December edition of the Inspiring Leadership Reflection Interactive Series, which was held today 10th December, 2018 at CITAD’s head office, hosted Prof. Jibril Ibrahim who is a reputable academic, researcher, Activist and columnist with Daily Trust newspaper.

In his welcoming remarks, the executive director of Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Dr. Yunusa Ya’u explained that the main idea of ILERIS was to complement other youths’ development programmes, adding that the current youths’development programmes focused on skills acquisition, but ILERIS focuses on changing the mindset of the youths. He lameneted that when discussing the issue of values, nowadays, people cherish money more than knowledge,  number of cars owned by a particular individual over his contribution to the society, and also less cherish hardworking.

The Executive Director continued to explain that it was for such reasons CITAD invites in every month, successful people to inspire young people for them to see the struggles, mistakes, challenges and how they overcome them, and  experiences in the lives of these people with the aim of changing the mindset of the youths. It was also expected of the participants to step out of the programme not only moved by what they have listened, but fully motivated and inspired with the lives of the guest.

Introducing himself to the audience, the guest, Prof. Jibril Ibrahim expressed his pleasure to in such an important programme. His opening point was on the issue of unity especially from the face of religious differences. He explained that it is more important and a way forward for Nigerians to have their focus on what united them in worship since they all worship the same God. The Prof. lamented how religious crisis has many of his neighbours and friends masscared in 1966. He described the incident as traumatic and disturbing and also described it to cut across all the nation whenever an ethnic or religious crisis occurred.

Prof. Jibril Emphasized on poor education to be the key factor resulting into failure of the Nigerian system. It is noted that education for all was initiated after the civil war during General Yakubun Gowan’s regime, to prevent reoccurrence of another civil war. Unfortunately, the policy of universal basic education was not effectively implemented nor maintained as there was rapid expansion of schools but inadequate number of teachers in those schools. The elites during that time realised the quality of education was declining and therefore, they removed their children to private schools were they could get better education. It was from then, budgets for public schools started declining. The 2010 statistics is disturbing as it revealed that 75% of children of age group are out of schools in Kano state. The situation is also similar throughout the north East and north west, and this out of school children are the once we have as Boko Haram, suicidal bombing youths and other criminal groups in Nigeria.

The Prof. also cried out how government has refused to invest sufficiently in respond to the dynamics and population in each region education. He gave an instance with the northeast and northwest Nigeria where studies showed 13.2 million of it populace do not go to school as of 2017. This is also related to the fertility rate in the two regions of 7.3. However, in Lagos the fertility rate is averagely 3 and the number of school age children is 95%. This is because the women in Lagos take into consideration that fact that they have limited resources and want to give the best to their children.

Violence Against Women: Group Launches Campaign in Kano, FCT, Bauchi

By Yakubu Salisu, Kano.

A group, Centre for Information, Technology Development (CITAD), has launched a Gender-based Violence campaign in Kano, Bauchi and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of the UN-sanctioned 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. The Campaign, Tagged: Take Back the Tech, with hashtag #TBTT, is a global and collaborative campaign for anyone using the Internet and technology to protest violence against women online. According to the Programme Officer, Gender and Internet Advocacy, Maryam Ado Haruna, the campaign which was initiated by Association for Progressive Communications’ women’s program (APC WNSP), in 2006, was built by a diverse movement of individuals, organizations, and communities which aim to shape, define, participate, use and share knowledge, technology, and to create digital spaces that are safe and equal. Haruna said CITAD, decided to take the campaign with both online and offline activities in Kano and Bauchi states, and the FCT respectively by engaging students in different schools on the topic “Understanding GBVO: its effects on our society”, as well as “Countering Gender Violence Online: Towards a safer online space for young girls in Nigeria”. She said the Take Back the Tech campaign which offers safety roadmaps and information, calls all users of information and communications technologies (ICTs), especially girls and women and also men and boys to take control of technology and consciously use it to change unequal power relations. CITAD, member of the Association for Progressive Communication (APC), usually takes part in the campaign from November 25th, to 10th of December of every year. Speaking during a press conference yesterday, Maryam stated that CITAD feels it is necessary to involve the Media, which is an important stakeholder in the quest of combating gender violence against women and girls online, empowering them with digital skills and protection of women and girls digital rights. She stressed that “for our nation to become fully developed, we have to support women and girls who constitute 50% of the total population, to become self-empowered and reliant”, adding that, the nation can never progress if 50 percent of its population is dependent on the other half.

CITAD Urges Women To Protect Themselves Against Male Domination Through ICT

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) had called on women and girls to acquire Information and Communication Technology, ICT education in order to protect themselves against male domination in the spheres of life.
Maryam Ado Haruna, Programme Officer,
Gender and Internet Advocacy in CITAD, made the call on Sunday, at a press conference to mark this year’s campaign against Gender Violence Online, GVO, tagged 16 Days of Activism.
According to her, the campaign, which was introduced by Association for Progressive Communications’ Women’s Programme (APCWNSP)  in 2006, was initiated with a hash tag #TBTT,  Take Back The Tech.
She said the campaign took turn on engaging students in different schools on the topic “Understanding GBVO: its effects on our society”, as well as “Countering Gender Violence Online: Towards a safer online space for young girls in Nigeria”.
She explained that, other activities for this year’s campaign  include discussion programmes on both radio and TV stations respectively.
Mrs Haruna added that,  the campaign announced actions that combine creative and strategic use of Information and Communication Technology.
 “Campaigners organise actions that respond to their local priorities, such as workshops on online safety, media monitoring on rape reporting, solidarity actions on the streets and in online spaces, and discussions on women’s right to privacy.
“CITAD feels it is necessary therefore to involve the Media, which is an important stakeholder in the quest of combating gender violence against women and girls online, empowering them with digital skills and protection of women and girls digital rights.
“CITAD hopes you shall use your voices to reach the larger society so that the society could fully understand the menace of online gender violence and also take action in countering it.
“Together, we can make our society better and safer for all women and girls both online and offline. Remember, for our nation to become fully developed, we have to support women and girls who constitute 50% of the total population, to become self-empowered and or reliant. The nation can never progress if 50% of it’s population is dependent on the other half, ” she said
The campaign is part of the UN-sanctioned 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence which begins on November 25 each year. It is our right to shape, define, participate, use and share knowledge, information and technology, and to create digital spaces that are safe and equal.

CITAD Stages Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence

By Binta Shama.

The Centre for Information, Technology and Development (CITAD), has embarked on a 16-day of Activism against gender-based violence which began on the 25th of November as a means to shape, define, participate, use and share knowledge, information and technology, and to create digital spaces that are safe and equal.

CITAD made this known at a press conference in Abuja.

According to the spokesperson, Programme Assistant Gender and Internet Advocacy (CITAD), Ms. Salma Abdulwaheed, the campaign was initiated by the Association for Progressive Communications’ women’s programme (APC WNSP), in 2006, and built by a diverse movement of individuals, organizations, collectives and communities which is the UN-sanction.

Abdulwaheed further said: “CITAD a member of the Association for Progressive Communication (APC), usually takes part in the  campaign from November 25th, to 10th of December in every year. This year, CITAD decided to take the campaign with  both online and offline activities in Kano and Bauchi states, and the FCT respectively”

Adding that CITAD campaign took turn on engaging students in different schools on the topic: “Understanding GBVO: its effects on our society”, as well as “Countering Gender Violence Online: Towards a safer online space for young girls in Nigeria”. Which other activities included discussion programme on both radio and TV stations respectively, with the  CITAD team also holding twitter and Facebook campaigns as part of the online efforts.

She further stressed: “Take Back the Tech! calls all users of information and communications technologies (ICTs)  especially girls and women and  also men and boys to take control of technology and consciously use it to change unequal power relations. Take Back the Tech!.”

She disclosed that the campaign would offer safety roadmaps and information and providing an avenue for taking action, adding that the Take Back the Tech! has led several campaigns at various points in the year, but that the biggest annual campaign takes place during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence from the 25th of November, to tomorrow the 10th of December.

“During campaigns, Take Back the Tech! announces actions that combine creative and strategic use of information and communication technology (ICT) with the issue of VAW. Campaigners organize actions that respond to their local priorities, such as workshops on online safety, media monitoring on rape reporting, solidarity actions on the streets and in online spaces, and discussions on women’s right to privacy.”

“CITAD feels it is necessary therefore to involve the Media, which is an important stakeholder in the quest of combating gender violence against women and girls online, empowering them with digital skills and protection of women and girls digital rights,” she added

According to the programme assistant, CITAD urged the media to lend their voices to reach the larger society so that the society could fully understand the menace of online gender violence and also take action in countering it.

“Together, we can make our society better and safer for all women and girls both online and offline. Remember, for our nation to become fully developed, we have to support women and girls who constitute 50% of the total population, to become self-empowered and or reliant. The nation can never progress if 50% of it’s population is dependent on the other half,” Abdulwaheed stated.

Take Back the Tech! with a hashtag #TBTT is a global and collaborative campaign for anyone using the Internet and technology to protest violence against women online (GBVO).

2nd Edition of the Ibrahim Mu’azzam Institute of Philosophy and Political Theory for Young People Organised by Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) from 11th-13th December, 2018 at Mambayya House, from 09:00am – 04:00pm

Over the years the teaching of philosophical thought, especially in the social sciences and political theory has declined. This has affected the quality of critical thinking of current graduates. Yet, without critical thinking, we get graduates of university who are no more different from students of craft school who narrowly acquired craft skills without understanding the underlying logics of either the skills or the trade they will practice.

 

in its quest to bring about sustainable development in Nigeria by equipping the youths with a more realistic way of  thinking, Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has organised a 3-day Philosophical interactive session for participants from various states in Nigeria. CITAD organised and sponsored the institute in order to engage the younger generations of students and graduates in critical thinking and reasoning and become positive thinkers and also provide them with a guiding principle of resolving their societal problems by instituting an annual institute for philosophical thoughts for young people that will be grounded these aspects of intellectual grooming by getting Ibrahim Muazzam principally, but also many other critical thinkers to facilitate the sessions of institute. The institute also aimed at preparing the participants with a philosophical thinking in an attempt to conquer the lackadaisical attitudes and laziness in acquiring knowledge a reading books which have covered the minds of many Nigerians especially the youths.

 

The 2nd  Edition of the Institute of Philosophy was named after the inspiring mentor, Ibrahim Mu’azzam  of department of Political Science, Bayero  University, Kano.  Ibrahim Muazzam has extensive experience teaching political theory, political philosophy, third world theories and other related topics that have continued to influence the critical thinking of many people who have passed through Bayero University, Kano. Many of these courses have either been phased out or that the explosion in student population has made it impossible to maintain the ambience of the past that allowed for debates and more rigorous treatment of many important topics that impact on the critical thinking faculty of students.

The 3-day institute devoted to three key engagements:  reading of the classical political thought, theory and philosophy through lectures; engagement with current topics of interest such as imperialism in the context of globalization; and debates to shape the intellectual engagement of the participants.

 

In his opening remarks, the Executive Director  of  CITAD,  Dr.  Yunusa  Ya’u  stated that  the December 2018 edition of the institute of Philosophy is the second after the maiden edition in January 2018.  He explained that it was established with the view to engage young people to be involved in asking serious and critical question. This was also in line with making them possess a critical mind and thinking in order to develop a deep and better understanding of issues and ideas and enquire for the truth and justice.

 

Dr. Ya’u also  explained that the institute was not only a academic and philosophical exercise, but to honour someone of high reputable image who has dedicated himself to mentoring and training students. The resourcefulness, versatility, depth of knowledge, roundedness and intellectual robustness of Ibrahim Muazzam is reflected in the glowing nostalgia with which many of his former students and associates reflect on what they took from him on online platforms. CITAD therefore saw a need to provide an avenue for practical discussion and interaction with this renowned philosopher. This resulted into the Ibrahim Mu’azzam Institute of Philosophy.

 

In his speech, the Executive Director further added that it is also part of the development process to contribute as well try to make people question the system which could help in regaining hope in the country.

 

Professor Ismaila Zango, who is the Director of the Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies – Mambayya House, welcomed all participants to the institute and assured them of not having only

 

interesting and exciting discussion with Ibrahim Mu’azzam, but a lot of learning and takeaways. He

ended by wishing the participants a successful and fruitful programme.

 

At the  beginning  of  the  first  day  of  the  institute, the  mentor, Ibrahim  Mu’azzam  stated with explaining  the  concept of the  philosophy itself. He described the  term  “Philosophy” as central  to any knowledge-based society, since Philosophy is the key to knowledge. He explained that whenever we search for wisdom, we are being philosophical. Muazzam added that philosophy is explaining concepts based on intellectual capacity. He further explained that Philosophy provides humans with the foundation of knowledge and freedom from rumours and assumptions adding that it encourages people to question and interrogate every idea they come across as there is no understanding without questioning making which makes it an essential aspect of their life. It is a continuous enquiries and not one single one. Philosophy is also how to advance critical thinking in an individual and enquiring for the truth. If we don’t doubt and question, that means we don’t think.

 

He continued with a lot has happened in this country and people are running away from critical thinking. People have become fond of accepting whatever is been presented to them without question how that position was arrived at. People do not question policies and other decisions passed by the state which are obviously fallible. People do not question budgets that were not executed or poorly executed. It is also very common to find someone possessing one or more degrees without reading a single but whole book relating to his field of study in his entire life. Our leaders also do not acquire knowledge nor do they try to find out the reality of what is happening in the society. They don’t read  books nor do they read  daily newspapers.

 

He called on the participants to never let others to think for them because that will only give them the opportunity to manipulate people. He said youth must sound philosophical; understand our need, understand our differences and similarities; how the society itself comes into being; and even how were created.

 

Muazzam emphasized the need for reading. He elaborated reading as engagement to seek for knowledge and not the fanning of papers or reading for leisure or fun. He further added that one of the biggest problems in Nigeria is that the people are not willing to learn their history. In fact people are killing their histories as they don’t want to read  about  it. There  is a chronic dependency. Nigerians including the elites depend a lot on the foreign services including health, education, and information etcetera. People refer and rely to international media and wait for these media to feed them with information about happenings in their locals.

 

People don’t learn,  adopt and  domesticate,  people  just  adopt foreign  schemes and  ideologies

without considering the differences. This brings about crisis in our process of development.

 

At the end of the day, he strongly advised that a nation should never let other people think for them and make their culture. People should be the ones to determine and create their political and economic culture and histories not outsiders. He also advised the participants to start reading pointing that there is knowledge in reading. They should set a reading timetable starting from few minutes to hours.

 

He shouldered the society with the responsibility of finding a way of transforming and channeling the energy possessed and exhibited by the youths in entertainment such as football, music etc, to channel it into critical thinking in issues that matter. Little thinking and reflection are capable of yielding so much good in our society because youths are capable changing the society.

 

The mentor gave the mentees some text to read and deliberate on before the following day.

 

In the second day of the Institute, the facilitator began the discussion with the lackadaisical attitudes of the Nigerian youths. Nigerian youths  don’t have focus and don’t even  know themselves properly. Their psych has been taken away from  them  and therefore unable to make any reasonable or critical thinking. It is not right to say that Nigerians are incapable of thinking. They do think but get it wrong because they are intellectually lazy. Colonialisation has dominated Nigerians’ thinking and  had  made them  mentally lazy. Muazzam emphasized that unless people think outside the box, they cannot have any knowledge. Knowledge is beyond what classroom teaching, but requires additional energy of analysing things beyond their physical appearance.

 

During the second day interaction, the mentor testified that they are lots of youths who are dedicated and hardworking in Nigeria, but were not able to find hope and support from the society. He explained that becoming a critical thinker also lies in the dreams. While it is a fact that dreams have the potentiality of becoming reality, must of Nigerians do not ream and believe in what they want to become

 

Thinking outside the box is another parameter for a philosopher. It is very crucial and fundamental to think beyond the level of other people, but Nigerians are lazy and even among the youths, they don’t buy the reading behavior which supposed to make them more vibrant.

 

One of the factors inhibiting Nigeria’s development also is that they accepted the culture of impunity from those in government. If any political officer would be punished accordingly, the rate of political crimes and or embezzlement would be cut down. It is very important for Nigerians to understand that every government can be impeached for its failure. Another factor is that Nigeria adopts development theories directly from the western countries without domesticating it to Nigerian context.

 

Muazzam concluded the day by restating the aim of the institute which was to inspire youths in order for them to actualise their dreams, their thoughts and rediscover themselves.

 

On the third day which was the final day of the institution, they session started with the readings from the texts that were given in the previous day. The discussion lasted until 12:00pm and certificates were presented to all participants.

 

On behalf of the Executive Director of CITAD, the coordinator of the Institute, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Aliyu thanked all participants for honouring this invitation to learn knowledge. He added that another version of the Institute will soon come up as the programme has already attracted interest of outside the organisation.

 

While appreciating this effort made by CITAD, many participants expressed their enthusiasm for the programme. They also explained that it is a privilege to be part of this Institute. Among them one participant stated that the Institute of Philosophy has really changed the way they view societal problems and now think both inside and outside the box. All participants have also expressed their appreciation to this effort by CITAD and have promised to utilize what they have learnt effectively. The created an alumni to programme activities that will benefit and engage other youths who were not part of the institute.

 

Participants’ Profile

The total number of the participants that took part in the 2nd  edition of the institute is 35. The participants included lecturers and teachers from different institutions, university graduates, civil servant and members of the civil society drawn from various states across Nigeria.

  1. Abdulaziz Sani Labaran, BA English, Gombe state.
  2. Abdullahi Musa Yola, BSc. Criminology, Kano state.
  3. Abubakar Abubakar Khaleed, PhD Physics, ABU Zaria
  4. Abubakar Suleiman Dauda, BSc Political Science, Department of Social Studies, FCE Kano.
  5. Ahmad Muhammad Idris, MSc Geography,
  6. Bilyaminu Usman Polytechnic, Hadejia, Jigawa
  7. Aminu Abubakar Isah, BSc Ed Geography, Ahmadu Bello Way, Kano
  8. Aminu Ali, MSc. Sociology, BUK
  9. Hafizu Sule Abubakar, LLB, NBA, Dutse, Jigawa state.
  10. Hauwah Ahmad Said, BSc. Economics, Kano
  11. Ibrahim Adamu Basirka, MSc Sociology, BUK.
  12. Ibrahim Sadiq Surajo, BSc Political Science, Hausawa Layout, Kano
  13. Ibrahim Sulaiman, BA Arch & History, Department of History, BUK
  14. Ibrahim Waiya, LLB, Kano state.
  15. Idris Musbahu, BSc. Geography, FCDA Scheme Kubwa, FCT
  16. Idris Alhassan Alkasim, BSc Pol Science, CAS (KACEPS) Kano
  17. Jaafar Muhammad Lawan, MSc. Pol Science, Kano
  18. Jamilu Aminu Ahmad, Master in Power Engr, MBA, Kano
  19. Khalid Imam, BA Hausa, Kano.
  20. Mariam Salihu, BSc., Criminology, Enugu
  21. Maryam Idris Gatawa, BSc Economics, Kano
  22. Muhammad Muazu Hassan, BSc. Public Administration, Malam Madori, Jigawa
  23. Murtala Muhammad, PhD, KUST Wudil
  24. Mustapha Nasiru Muhamad, HND Business Administration, Kano
  25. Najib Adamu Suleiman, MA, Public Relations, BUK.
  26. Nasira Suleiman, BSc Criminology, Dutse, Jigawa state.
  27. Nasir Ingawa, Masters in Public Policy, Asokoro, FCT Abuja
  28. Said Danna Ali, BSc Sociology & Anthrop, Maiduguri, Borno state.
  29. Muktar Umar Amin, Diploma English, Kano state.
  30. Adam Abdulmalik, BA History, Kano state.
  31. Isyaku Abubakar Musa, Enterprenueship Studies, Kano state.
  32. Sani Bala Shehu, BA, MPPA, MDS, Kano state.
  33. Aliyu Dahiru Aliyu, CITAD
  34. Harira Abdurrahman Wakili, CITAD
  35. Maryam Ado Haruna, CITAD

Corruption: Adopt e-Governance, CITAD, PI Tell Politicians

By Idowu Isamotu.

Ahead of 2019 general elections, two leading Digital Rights groups, Paradigm Initiative and Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) have charged candidates of all political parties to adopt electronic governance (e-governance) with a view to curbing corruption in the country.

Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Tuesday, The Program Manager, Digital Rights, Mr Adegoke Adeboye and Communication Officer of CITAD, Mrs Salma Abdulwaheed stated that the only way to curb corruption, which has eaten deep, and been a ‘cankerworm’, is to adopt e-governance.

Adeboye disclosed to newsmen that the Paradigm Initiative and CITAD, in conjunction with McArthur Foundation have been working collectively to promote institutional framework and approaches to anti-corruption and transparency efforts.

“As part of our work and advocacy for an open internet, we are supporting efforts at institutionalizing accountability, transparency and the fight against corruption through the positive adoption of technology by government institutions in service delivery.

“Riding on the momentum of upcoming elections, we are pushing for the commitment to and adoption of e-governance frameworks by politicians and public office holders on the subject of accountability and anti-corruption.

“The central theme of our advocacy is to bring attention to the subject of e-governance as an effective and veritable tool for anti-corruption and transparency efforts in Nigeria.

“We are calling on those contesting the 2019 elections and the incumbents to commit to and adopt e-governance in order to foster transparency and accountability,” Adeboye said.

He also dismissed insinuations from some government officials that if President Buhari assents to Digital Rights Bill, which was passed into law by National Assembly, it will promote hate speeches and other immoral acts.

He explained that the Bill contains punishment to nail offenders of hate speeches, adding that it is pertinent for those contesting 2019 elections and the incumbents to commit to and adopt e-governance.

Corroborating PI’s Program Manager, Mrs Abdulwaheed lamented how many political parties, especially the major ones, shy away from committing or even engaging CSOs in promoting their anti-corruption efforts.

She further expressed what CITAD went through when issue relating to e-governance was mentioned for some government agencies and political parties, adding that it is worrisome they don’t like to get involved in the conversation surrounding e-governance.

2019: CSOs Task Candidates on Adoption of E-governance Ahead of Polls

By  Jerrywright Ukwu.

– Two Civil Society Organisations are collaborating to ensure candidates in the 2019 general elections commit to adoption of e-governance – The CSOs stated that their aim is to promote institutional framework and approaches to anti-corruption and transparency efforts – They called on those contesting the 2019 elections and the incumbents to commit to and adopt e-governance Two Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Paradigm Initiative and Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), are collaborating to ensure candidates in the 2019 general elections commit to adoption of e-governance. This was revealed by Paradigm Initiative’s program manager; Mr Adegoke Adeboye and CITAD’s communication officer; Ms Salma Abdulwaheed, during an interactive session with journalists on Tuesday, December 4. They stated that their aim is to promote institutional framework and approaches to anti-corruption and transparency efforts, especially as Nigeria prepares for the 2019 elections.

“As part of our work and advocacy for an open internet, we are supporting efforts at institutionalizing accountability, transparency and the fight against corruption through the positive adoption of technology by government institutions in service delivery. “Riding on the momentum of upcoming elections, we are pushing for the commitment to and adoption of e-governance frameworks by politicians and public office holders on the subject of accountability and anti-corruption. “The central theme of our advocacy is to bring attention to the subject of e-governance as an effective and veritable tool for anti-corruption and transparency efforts in Nigeria. “We are calling on those contesting the 2019 elections and the incumbents to commit to and adopt e-governance in order to foster transparency and accountability,” Adeboye said. He further stated that the positive use of technology, “is an effective solution to the plague of corruption that has far ravaged this nation.” On her part, Abdulwaheed lamented the non-cooperation of political parties in getting involved in the conversation surrounding e-governance. She noted that many of the parties, especially the major ones, shy away from committing or even engaging CSOs in promoting their anti-corruption efforts. Paradigm Initiative is a social enterprise that builds an ICT enabled system and advocate digital rights in Nigeria, believing very strongly in the positives of technology and the roles it plays in economic prosperity, strengthening political participation and deepening governance. CITAD is a non-governmental and non-profit organization committed to the use of information and communication technologies for development and promotion of good governance. It sees technology as tool to promote sustainable development, good government and peaceful coexistence.

Meanwhile, a new initiative, DOS support group, arrow headed by a group of young professionals have been designed to seek the democratization of campaign funding while ensuring a level playing field for all candidates irrespective of party lines and ideological leanings ahead of the 2019 general elections.

CITAD Urges Voters to Elect Credible Candidates In The 2019 Election

By Uzoma Okafor.

Information Technology and Development (CITAD), an NGO, has urged the electorate to elect credible candidates in the 2019 general election and ensure they hold elected public officers accountable always.

Mrs Maryam Haruna made this known in communiqué issued on Friday by at the end of the centre’s one-day interface forum between political parties and social influencers held in Abuja.

The communiqué said that holding elected public officers accountable at all times was the surest way of fighting corruption in the country.

It decried a situation where successive governments were unable to convert the country’s resources into providing necessary infrastructure and systems needed to support economic development and assure citizens of quality life.

“The story of the war against corruption in many years points to the fact that Nigeria and indeed Africa is faced with major crises of transparency and accountability.

“While both government and citizens agreed about corruption being a key factor in the protracted impoverishment of the citizens, governments too has failed to be accountable to the citizens while citizens have not been successful in holding elected public officers accountable.

“Since accountability is a transactional issue, citizens’ demand for it must be strategic, by incentivising it and dis-incentivising corruption through electoral action that makes duty bearers deliver sincerely on election campaign promises,’’ it added.

The communiqué further emphasised that fighting corruption and promoting accountability was a multi-stakeholder responsibility.

“Everyone is shouldered with a tasked of fighting corruption,’’ it added.

It faulted immunity enjoyed by some political office holders, saying that it inhibits the fight against corruption in the executive arm.

According to it, there are lots of biases in the court of justice too.

It further pointed out that the idea of Nigerians celebrating corrupt officials does not help the efforts to stem corruption.

“Nigerians celebrate and normalise corruption, which explains why politician found to have corruptly enriched themselves are not ashamed to be known for their ignoble acts,’’ it added.

It said that political parties were not left out in some of the corrupt practices.

“There is mismanagement of funds from our political parties.

“The high rate of forms of political parties encourages corruption,’’ it said.

While urging political parties to make forms affordable for all aspiring candidates, the statement canvassed for increased participation of youths and women in politics.

“Many youths are apathetic to political activity as they feel their opinions and votes don’t count.

“Governance should not be left for politicians and the leaders but the people, especially women and youths should participate in governance,’’ the communiqué added.

Hold Elected Public Officers Accountable Always-Centre Urges Nigerians

By  David Oladele.

-The Centre for Information Technology and Development has spoken about 2019 general elections

– The centre noted that holding elected public officers accountable at all times is the surest way of fighting corruption in the country

– It, however, faulted immunity enjoyed by some political office holders, saying that it inhibits the fight against corruption in the executive arm The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), an NGO, has urged the electorate to elect credible candidates in the 2019 general election and ensure they hold elected public officers accountable always. Maryam Haruna made this known in statement issued on Friday, November 30, at the end of the centre’s one-day interface forum between political parties and social influencers held in Abuja. The statement read that holding elected public officers accountable at all times was the surest way of fighting corruption in the country.

It decried a situation where successive governments were unable to convert the country’s resources into providing necessary infrastructure and systems needed to support economic development and assure citizens of quality life. “The story of the war against corruption in many years points to the fact that Nigeria and indeed Africa is faced with major crises of transparency and accountability. “While both government and citizens agreed about corruption being a key factor in the protracted impoverishment of the citizens, governments too has failed to be accountable to the citizens while citizens have not been successful in holding elected public officers accountable.

“Since accountability is a transactional issue, citizens’ demand for it must be strategic, by incentivising it and dis-incentivising corruption through electoral action that makes duty bearers deliver sincerely on election campaign promises.’’ The statement further emphasised that fighting corruption and promoting accountability was a multi-stakeholder responsibility. It added: “Everyone is shouldered with a tasked of fighting corruption.’’ It faulted immunity enjoyed by some political office holders, saying that it inhibits the fight against corruption in the executive arm. According to it, there are lots of biases in the court of justice too. It further pointed out that the idea of Nigerians celebrating corrupt officials does not help the efforts to stem corruption.

“Nigerians celebrate and normalise corruption, which explains why politician found to have corruptly enriched themselves are not ashamed to be known for their ignoble acts.’’ “There is mismanagement of funds from our political parties. The high rate of forms of political parties encourages corruption.’’ While urging political parties to make forms affordable for all aspiring candidates, the statement canvassed for increased participation of youths and women in politics. The statement read: “Many youths are apathetic to political activity as they feel their opinions and votes don’t count. Governance should not be left for politicians and the leaders but the people, especially women and youths should participate in governance.’’ Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that a former national security adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), 13 former governors and seven ex- ministers have been reportedly barred from travelling out of the country under Executive Order 6 (EO6) issued on Saturday, October 13, by President Muhammadu Buhari. The restriction followed the judicial affirmation of the constitutionality and legality of the Executive Order 6 (EO6). The watch-list and restriction were put in place pending the conclusion of the cases against those affected.

One-Day Interface Forum between Political Parties and Social Influencers

By Maryam Ado Haruna.

Introduction:- Nigeria is a well-endowed country with rich natural resources. Successive governments in the country have been unable to convert these resources into providing the necessary infrastructure and systems that would transform these resources to support economic development and assure citizens a quality of life. While both government and citizens are agreed about corruption being a key factor in the protracted impoverishment of the citizens, governments too have failed to be accountable to the citizens while citizens have not been successful in holding elected public officers accountable. Accountability is key to ending corruption in the country. Since accountability is a transactional issue, citizens’ demand for it must be strategic, by incentivizing it and dis-incentivizing corruption through electoral action that makes duty bearers deliver sincerely on election campaign promises. It is for this reason, Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), with Support from MacArthur Foundation organized a one day forum for social influencers and media to interface with political parties and actors. The Party in attendance include, KOWA party, Accord, Labour party and PPA. The efforts put I place to get the two major political parties in Nigeria (PDP and APC) proved abortive.

Objectives of the Interface

  • To bridge up the social influencers and political parties and actors in order to provide a forum through which the social influencers working anti-corruption and accountability can directly interact with the political parties and actors. This is to enable the social influencers to find out as well as generate a vast understanding on what politicians think of anti-corruption and accountability, and how they integrate or plan to integrate it into their political activities before, during and after election.
  • Secondly, during this interface, political parties were expected to share their ideas and programmes on anti-corruption, how they think it and be tackled and ways to ensure and deepen accountability in the country.
  • Social influencers were expected to understand how they can track the responsible political office holder in order to make them accountable to their people during their time in offices

 Activities during the Meeting

  1. Opening remarks

An opening remarks was given by the Dr. Tunde Misbau Akanni who represented the Executive Director of CITAD, Dr. Yunusa Ya’u, and also chaired the meeting. He welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending the meeting.  He also made a brief on the project where he stated that the 2019 has provided us with an opportunity to place anti-corruption and accountability on the agenda adding that we need to get a buy-in of the decision and policy makers to institutionalise anti-corruption and accountability. He explained that the project is a messaging project that leverages the reach of the social influencers and other individuals such as activists, bloggers, poets and writers to advocate anti-corruption and accountability. Attention is also given to gender, age geography and diversity with the intention of increase pressure on political parties.

  1. Statement of Neutrality and Non Partisanship

Since CITAD and the social influencers working as the sub-grantees are nonpartisan, a statement of Neutrality and Nonpartisanship was issued by Odoh Diego Okeyedo of Splendors of Dawns. He explained that the social influencers strive to provide neutrality in their messaging as much they could. It is already cleared to them that MacArthur Foundation do not and will not support partisan activities and will hold any social influences responsible if he/she uses MacArthur’s funding for partisan activities. He added that neutrality doesn’t mean that they are apathetic or indifferent, it is to endeavour to not only represent the opinions of one political party. By being partisan is to declare or express a political affiliation to as part of the project activities.

  1. Brief Presentations from Political Parties

Four Political Parties attended the interface. They are, Kowa Party, Labour Party, Accord and Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA). They gave brief presentation on their parties’ ideas and programmes on anti-corruption, how they think it can be tackled and ways to ensure and deepen accountability in the country:

  1. Labour Party by Akingbade Oyelekan (National Legal Advisor)

He explained that there is emphasis on anti-corruption and accountability in their party’s agenda. He mentioned that there are accountability guidelines for fund generation as well as in presentation of candidates. The legal advisor also explained that his party believes that current fight against corruption is insincere and biased and was deliberately designed for failure.

The party’s strategy to fight corruption include sincerity in communicating plans to the electorate and a realistic manifesto which doesn’t make false promises to electorate.

  1. Progressive People’s Alliance by Kehinde Edun(National Secretary)

According to him, it is clear that the internal affairs of a country can have a huge effect on other countries, and selfish interests of political actors also affects its quest for accountability. The high rate for the price of forms by political parties encourages corruption, but PPA makes its forms affordable for political aspirants. Candidates are also cautioned on anti-corruption and following of due process. There is a need to inculcate honesty in children from birth. There is a need for all Nigerians to engage themselves in political activities to ensure accountability in the process.

  1. Accord by Muhammad Lawal Nalado (National Chairman)

According to him, citizens needs to support the government in the course by fighting corruption in their immediate environment and also try to change themselves at their level. He added that fight corruption is everyone’s responsibility.

 

  1. KOWA Party by Mark Adebayo (National Secretary)

In his presentation the National Secretary explained that in their party manifesto, only credible and capable Nigerians can contest for positions. He added that KOWA believes that there should be proper accountability of assets seized by anti-corruption agencies. He mentioned that in order to appropriately fight corruption in Nigeria:

  • The immunity given to political officers must be removed; he urged media and CSOs to advocate for the removal of such.
  • Another step he mentioned was the application of technology to anti-corruption mechanisms such as amplifier based system to prevent the incidence of ghost workers in the civil service.
  • They must also be a proper tracking of public office holders.
  • Anti-corruption agencies must also be independent and free from any form of influence.
  • Another step is the removal of plea-bargaining, establishment of special court for corruption cases. A proper sanitization of the civil service.
  • All candidates’ record of corruption should be traced in the forthcoming elections so that they should not be voted.
  1. GENERAL OBSERVATION

Following presentations and deliberations, participants observed and raised concerns as follows:

  • Corruption starts from our various homes
  • There is mismanagement of funds from our political parties
  • By granting immunity to some political office holders the Nigerian constitution inhibits the fight against corruption in the Executive arm.
  • There are lots of biases in the court of justice.
  • Nigerians celebrate and normalize corruption, which explains why every politician found to have corruptly enriched themselves are not ashamed to be known for their ignoble acts.
  • Many youths are apathetic to political activity as they feel their opinions and votes don’t count.
  • The government has failed to provide our children with standard schools, but they can afford to build private ones which only the riches can afford to attend
  • The high rate of forms of political parties encourages corruption
  • There is need to inculcate honesty in citizens from birth
  • Interest of international community shows that the internal affairs of a country can have a huge effect in other countries.
  • Political Parties should make forms affordable for all aspiring candidate
  • The huge monetary benefits for public offices is a boon to corruption
  1. RECOMMENDATIONS
  • The political candidates should scrutinize candidates first and avoid money bag politics.
  • Governance should not be left for politicians and the leaders, but the people, especially women and youths should participate in governance
  • Social influencers should use their influence through the mass and social media as a means of communication to salvage our nation
  • There should be clear a reward and punishment systems for corruption
  • There should be transparency in recovery and return of looted funds
  • The Nigeria constitution needs to be reviewed
  • Impunity should be remove for all political leaders
  • Application Technology to reduce or eliminate corruption
  • Property tracking of public office holders
  • There should no executive interference in issues of anti -corruption bodies
  • There should be introduction of anti- corruption court
  • We need transparency in recovering, recording and returning loot fund
  • There’s need for all Nigerians to be engaged in the political process

Social Influencers that attended the meeting

  1. Jide Ojo
  2. Adagbo Onoja
  3. Odoh Diego Okenyodo
  4. Danlami Nmodu
  5. Olamide Olaniyan

Centre Meets Political Parties, Charges on Leadership Effectiveness, Accountability

By Kamardeen Ismail.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), an NGO, yesterday in Abuja, met with political parties seeking electoral offices in the 2019 general elections and charged them on leadership effectiveness and accountability.

The One-Day Interface between Political Parties and Social Influencers organized by the Centre, with support from MacArthur foundation called on political parties to reiterate its commitment to the fight against corruption.

In his opening remark , the chairman of the event, Dr Tunde Akanni said the aim of the dialogue was to bridge up the political parties and social influencers as well as actors in order to provide a forum through which the social influencers working anti-corruption and accountability can directly interact with political parties and actors.

He said people seeking electoral offices should focus on issues that would impact on the populace.

“The dialogue also provides forum for participants to rub minds on how best to address leadership challenges and corruption in the country.

“It is necessary for the aspirants to tell the people what they intend to do for them. We also want to focus on transparency in governance so as to reduce corruption in all sectors.”

Political parties present at the interface identified corruption has the major menace bedeviling the nation, adding that proper mechanisms have not been put in place by the current administration to tackle it.

According to a communique signed at the end of the dialogue, it was observed that granting immunity to some political office holders, the Nigerian constitution inhibits the fight against corruption in the executive arm.

The political parties said governance should not be left for politicians and the leaders but people especially women and youths should participate in governance.

CITAD Rallies Politicians, Media on Accountability, Anti-Corruption

By Idris Ibrahim, Abuja.

Ahead of the 2019 general election, the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has facilitated an interface of  politicians, social media influencers  and  other stakeholders to galvanize public attention on anti-corruption and accountability in governance.

The  event  which took place  Tuesday at the Shehu Yar’adua centre in Abuja was  a grueling interactive session between representatives of political parties and journalists.

Each political party represented during the interface disclosed its strategic view on how to tackle the menace of corruption and possible ways to deepen accountability in Nigeria.

The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and major contender, People’s Democratic Party(PDP) that may likely decide the 2019 presidential election failed to show up at  the session.

Despite the large number of registered political parties in the country, only four parties participated at the event powered by MacArthur Foundation.

Barrister Oyelekan Akingbade, National Legal Adviser, Labour Party, Barrister Kehinde Edun National Secretary, Progressive People’s Alliance(PPA) highlighted their parties’ stand on anti-corruption ahead of the forthcoming election. They however made the day worthwhile as they expressed strong, at times divergent  opinions on the issues of accountability and anti-graft war.

Comrade Mark Adebayo, National Secretary, Kowa party disclosed it party’s agenda on anti-corruption stressing that the country’s constitution needs to be reviewed.

“The biggest level of corruption is to protect the corrupt. And the systematic fraud that is killing this country is embedded in the constitution,” he said.

During his presentation Mohammad Lawal Nalado, National Chairman Accord party said the only way to curb the menace of corruption in Nigeria is for citizens should embrace the exemplary life of President Muhammadu Buhari  whom he described as incorruptible.

In his remarks earlier, Dr. Tunde Akanni, chairman of the event said the country has suffered insufficient provision of social infrastructure as a result of corruption.

“Today, we are expectant of another round of general elections. The 2019 general election will provide an opportunity for everyone to place the issues of anti-corruption and accountability on the campaign agenda.

“Now is an opportunity for everyone, media professionals and politicians to come out boldly to explain to the rest of us what’s their plans are  on how to tackle the menace of corruption.”

“This project (aims)  at … spreading anti-corruption and accountability messages. The campaign would be done by sensitizing and mobilizing citizens towards their demands for accountability and anti-corruption by amplifying their voices to get by in of decision and policy makers in the country,” he said.

Mr. Akanni explained further how the project intends to spread the message of anticorruption and accountability through the effective use of social influencers.

“Members of the social influencers mostly individuals have been selected based on their history of involvement in social change campaign and have been engaged to generate a variety of communication, notes, messages, message formats and content to reach both political actors and citizens”

“This project is a messaging project that leverages the reach, credibility and social networking on individuals and social media influencers to deliver citizens’ demand for accountability.”