The Network of Jigawa Civil Society Organizations (NetJiC) has commended Jigawa State Governor, Umar A Namadi, for resuscitating the public engagement popularly known as ‘Government and the people’ (Gwamnati Da Jama’a) program; a model for inclusive governance.
Gwamnati Da Jama’a is designed as a town hall meeting in all 27 Local government areas to create a direct dialogue between government officials and the people they serve.
A statement, on Thursday, by NetJiC Chairman Mustapha Umar said the program has reechoed the state’s position as the pacesetter of reforms, adding that citizens’ engagement will restore public trust, improve security architecture, and bring governance closer to the people, thereby providing basic needs and strengthening transparency and accountability.
The statement observed that in the spirit of open governance partnership under the principle of co-creation, it is pertinent to uphold and champion the 12-point agenda of the Governor.
According to the statement, while the Auyo event serves as a litmus test, there is a need to strike a balance between the state actors and non-state actors, as a matter of public concern and in the best interest of the Gwamnati Da Jama’a program.
“Adequate time should be allotted to the citizens to voice their opinions and concerns to exonerate the program from being seen as a jamboree.
“As a key partner in supporting the developmental agenda in the state, NetJiC is willing to monitor the program and follow up on the implementation of its commitments,” the statement added.
Gwamnati Da Jama’a (Government and the People) Initiative
This initiative intends to strengthen governance through;
1. Deepening Democracy and Civic Participation
For democracy to be truly effective, there needs to be citizen inclusion in decision-making. Such town hall meetings will foster civic participation, where the concerns can be aired with their solution provided.
2. Restoring Public Confidence in Government
Public trust in leadership is an indispensable ingredient of stability and development. When leaders are open to the people, listen to their grievances, and act on their concerns, confidence in governance grows.
3. Deepening Implementation of the 12-Point Agenda
The 12-Point Agenda for Governor Namadi acts as an outline for socio-economic development. The policies indeed are effective while emanating from the real-life challenges and experiences that people undergo.
Economic Empowerment & Job Creation: Farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs can raise issues and opportunities where government interventions must be channeled to meet their needs.
Education & Youth Development: Improvement in learning conditions and education policy may be suggested by teachers, parents, and students.
Healthcare & Social Welfare: Communities can identify gaps in primary healthcare services and help the government come up with better healthcare delivery.
Infrastructure & Basic Amenities: The citizens identify areas that urgently require attention, be it roads, electricity, water supply, or sanitation.
4. Empowerment of Political and Grassroots Participation
By acting as a link between leadership and the grassroots, Gwamnati da Jamma’a enables people to feel a sense of ownership in governance.
5. Entrenching Transparency and Accountability
Accountability is enhanced through direct engagement by the leaders and citizens. These town hall meetings serve as a channel for feedback in real-time, as well as performance evaluation.
6. Developing a Sustainable Model for Governance
More than an immediate impact, Gwamnati da Jamma’a may be institutionalized into a sustainable model for governance. If managed properly, this can become a model to which other states in Nigeria would turn for example.
NetJiC is a coalition of civil society organizations working across several sectors in the State. The Coalition was formed as a non-profit and non-political platform to champion issues that promote the socio-economic development of the people in Jigawa state.
