Approach us with constituency, not personal problems, lawmakers tell constituents
Some members of the House of Representatives from the North-East sub-region have urged their constituents to approach legislators with societal-based challenges to enhance good governance in their constituents.
They made the call in Gombe on Saturday in an interview with newsmen shortly after a town hall meeting between legislators from the sub-region and their constituents.
The meeting tagged `Open Square’ was organised by Daria Media with the support of the MacArthur Foundation.
Hon Kwamoti Laori, representing Numan, Demsa and Lamurde Federal Constituency of Adamawa State, said personal demands by people from his constituents were not the reason he was elected.
Laori said “believe you me, what frighten members are the personal demands on them; hardly can you see people bringing constituency problems, if people are bringing problems that affect society that will greatly help. “But unfortunately out of 10 people, nine came with personal problems.
The lawmaker said personal demands on legislators were quite frustrating and “so distractive; that’s why they say some members change their phone numbers.’’
“If you really want to concentrate it will be difficult for you. I never changed my numbers and will never do,’’ he said
Laori appealed for more political education to ensure that people at the grassroots, had a better understanding that “sharing money is not good governance rather delivering on the mandate.’’
He called for more enlightenment so that people would be confronting lawmakers with “really what have you done? what was your decision on this? why did you come back to get inputs from us?
Also, Hon. Yunusa Abubakar, a member representing Yamaltu-Deba Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives said the psychology and perception of the people towards governance had changed.
“Today everybody is looking for money and because the legislators are the most accessible, they become vulnerable.’’
He stated that most people from his constituency, who come to town hall meetings, were not coming to deepen engagement or ask for what would better the society, but “rather what will better their lot, so before you organise town hall meeting, you must come with millions to distribute. As long as you are not giving money, people are no longer interested.’’
He called on the people to align their demands with issues that would enhance nation-building for the good of everyone.
Speaking to journalists, Kadaria Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of Daria Media Limited said the essence of the town hall engagement was to ensure that the people who are sent to represent their constituents were held accountable.
She stated that people “cannot do that if they don’t understand what legislators’ roles are and in my interaction as a journalist, I realise not a lot of constituents really understand the role of the National Assembly.’’
She added that it was on such background that “we started this dialogue to bring these two groups face-to-face and that how we come up with the concept of an open square.’’
She explained that the whole essence was to link stakeholders from the centre with the grassroots for a better understanding of issues to promote good governance.
Our correspondent reports that people from different constituents from Gombe State participated in the engagement, and the invited legislators were made to respond to issues raised.
Members from Adamawa State made their contributions via zoom and other social media platforms.
