22^nd January 2022 | Community Town Hall Meeting 

Special Guests:

• Mai Angwa/ Village Head Kpaki Community,Mallam Mohammed Shako

Summary of the Meeting

The town hall meeting was aimed at educating the citizens on the constitutional roles of local government officials (political post holders) and the importance of community engagement. The meeting which had in attendance residents of Kpaki community in Chanchaga LGA of Niger State granted the people the opportunity to relay their concerns and ask questions on matters that affect their community. Above all, the meeting aimed to strengthen their capacities to advance government accountability at the local government level. 

The meeting commenced with an opening prayer by the community leader (Mai Angwa) Mallam Mohammed Shako. The meeting progressed as the CJ covering the Kpaki community of Chanchaga LG introduced herself alongside the supervisor. In the community leader’s declarative speech, he commended the effort of the CJ and added that he was hopeful that the meeting will yield positive results as there are plans to make the visit consistent.

The Mai Agwa in his speech expressed his grievances regarding the government’s negligence to the needs of the community and urged the participants to express their grievances as this is a platform where their voices can be projected to bring about the needed growth and the development of their community.

Keynote address

This was given by the youth leader, Mal Kaakaki Usman. In his address, he appreciated EiE Nigeria for the initiative and thanked the CJ and other supporters of the programme. He stated that the initiative will help the LGA officials to sit tight and understand the needs of the citizens across the local government. He also said it will help to eradicate the lack of open-door policy by LGA officials and open the business of government in the LGA to the citizens. He also urged the community members to feel free to air their views without fear of the LGA executives.  He then concluded that the outcome of the meeting will be submitted to the ward counsellor and the LGA Chairman.

Critical Issues Raised During the Meeting by community members

• The local government officials neglect the citizens after elections.
• Citizens have no access to information about governance at LGA level.
• No information on projects in the community.
• No evidence of dividends of democracy achieved in the community and ward
• No provision of polling centres around the community, electorates have to walk a long distance before they can cast their vote.
• No open door policy by the LG officials in relating with citizens.

Resolution

• The citizens of Kpaki agreed to do away with money sharing politics and henceforth select leaders on merit and integrity, especially leaders who have their interests at heart.
• Community members agreed to institute community engagement meetings with members intermittently going forward and provide feedback to the MyLGA Project team
• Members will meet with ward executives to call the Ward Counsellor to a meeting on issues bothering the community and the ward.

Lessons for Future Engagements

• Political elites past and present and special dignitaries that have knowledge on issues of governance will be invited to participate.
• There will be ample time for better planning and arrangement for a better venue.