TMG, voters launch Charter of Demands for candidates

A coalition of over 400 civil rights organisations under the aegis of Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), has unfolded its plans to lead Nigerian voters to demand accountability and set agenda for candidates in the 2019 general elections.

The plan, according to a statement by the chairperson of TMG, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, would be achieved through a nationwide programme known as Citizens Charter Movement which has been flagged off in the South West

She said the CCM was important to address the continued disconnect between promises made by political parties in their manifestoes and the aspirations of the Nigerians.

“With a properly planned charter, signed and delivered by each candidate, the people will have a tool with which governance can be measured and people can insist on accountable government, the TMG chairperson said.

Under the arrangement, the TMG will congregate citizens to develop a charter of demands that will make political parties and elected representative more responsible and accountable prior, during and after elections.

The initiative will also aim at promoting a strategy that will support more citizens participation, strengthen accountability and ensure inclusive processes in Nigeria, Akiyode-Afolabi stressed.

The TMG, she said, has been able to inaugurate the CCM in 17 states in the South West, South East and South South, Nigeria, in line with the objectives.

Akiyode-Afolabi said that The TMG has also set up mechanisms upon which Nigerians will convey their aspirations through town hall meetings which will allow for the desired engagement with candidates ahead of 2019. As at today thousands of Nigerians have volunteered to be part of the organised Charter Movement which began with the Osun State Election in September 2018.

She further said thatThe TMG has been in consultation with other key stakeholders including labour, private sector, informal sectors, religious, minority and indigenous groups, people with disabilities, youths and women associations since the Osun elections.

The consultation is to ensure a wide stakeholder buy-in to the draft charter of demands which emerged from the various retreats organised by TMG in partnership with the Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn.

The TMG will continue this engagement in the Northern zone in November and also launch the town hall meetings across the 36 states in December.  She said.

At the meeting which held in Calabar, Cross River state, TMG resolved that members should begin consultations through town hall meeting to ensure that political parties and their candidate in the states sign the peoples charter ahead of the elections.