By Sagiru Ado

As part of the efforts to promote good governance and citizens’ participation in governance processes, the Center for Information Technology and Development organized an Interactive Session in Gaya Local Government between the political aspirants and SCEEP communities from Wudilawa, Kademi and Gamoji wards. The interactive session was part of Department for International Development (DIFD) supported project “Strengthening Civic Engagement with the Electoral Process SCEEP through ActionAid Nigeria, CITAD implements.

Stating the objective of the program, Malam Ahmad Abdullahi Yakasai said that the event set to present the Community Development Charter (CDC) or Village Book the communities produced with help of the organization to the political aspirants. He emphasized that the Community Development Charter (CDC) is a set of principles, goals and responsibilities that outlines the way in which government aims to work with communities. He added that, normally, it sets out a cooperative approach and acknowledges the shared roles and responsibilities of both government and community thereby serving as an effective tool for citizens’ participation in governance.

When analyzing the key areas of the CDCs, Malam Idris Nuhu Congo Gaya, said that in Gaya Local Government area, there is a primary health center at Wudilawa with 6 health personnel. However, people cover a distance of 20km to Gaya hospital to access other health care services, and there is complain of insufficient female staff in the health centre. Also, Gamoji has a health facility while Kademi has a hospital and health facilities. However, people lament on insufficient medical personnel in the local government as a whole. Also, in most cases, they have to cover at least 2.5km distance before reaching the nearest health facility.

Participants at the event included aspirants for the chairmanship positions from different political parties. In their separate comments Honorable Aminu Sunusi from Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) and Honorable Mu’azu Bulya from Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) all thanked CITAD for compiling peoples need in simplified manner. Honorable Aminu assured that when elected will address the health issue especially inadequate staffing at the health centers of the local government. He then promised to provide fertilizer to the farmers at subsidized price. In his comment, Honorable   Mu’azu Bulya of APDA urged CITAD to help them advocate for local government autonomy, saying that without receiving grant direct from federal government nothing will be achieved. Citing example with issue of insufficient teachers at lower level, said that since from the administration of Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, former governor of Kano State local government stopped receiving their grants directly from federal government without state government interference.

The aspirants of the councillorship positions attended the event included Hon. Shua’ibu Dan Sabo of ANRP, Kademi ward, Hon. Jamilu Isma’il of ANRP, Wudilawa ward, Hon. Shamsu Abdulkadir Adam of ANRP, Gaya North ward and Hon. Muhd Abdu of PDP, Gaya North ward. Alh. Ya’u Idris was sent to represent the aspirant of the councillorship position of PDP Wudilawa ward and Alh. Labaran Ya’u represented aspirant of councillorship position of APC, Kademi ward

Others that sent their representatives were aspirant of the councillorship position of ANRP, Gamuji ward, aspirant of the councillorship position of APC, Gamoji ward and aspirant of the councillorship position of PDP, Gamoji ward

The event also witnessed the presence of Student Union, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Community Leaders, religious Leaders, Security Agencies, Hisbah, People with Disabilities (PWDs) and Women Groups.