*BACKGROUND:*
The 1-Day capacity Building Workshop was organized to build the capacity of Civil Society Organizations and selected Media organizations and practitioners on prioritizing Anti-Corruption and Accountability issues during the upcoming 2023 General Elections in Kogi State.
In attendance were selected Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Human Rights Activist, Media Organizations/Practitioners, Representatives of Women and Youth Groups, Persons with Disabilities(PWD).
The workshop featured paper presentations, in a welcome remark by Idris Miliki Abdul, Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) highlighted Goals and Objectives of the project. The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Electoral Process was delivered by an Abuja base Development Consultant, JIDE OJO. Development of Community Charter of Demands was presented by the Executive Director of Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA) HAMZA ALIYU.
The concluding component of the meeting involved the development of Stakeholder-specific action plans towards moving the Anti-Corruption and Accountability project forward.
– There were plenary discussion sessions on definition of terminologies, understanding of concepts on Anti-Corruption, Accountability and Charter of Demands. Clarification on issues around Stakeholders Responsibilities and Roles in the Anti-Corruption and Accountability project.
*OBSERVATIONS*
The workshop make the following preliminary observations on issues concerning Anti-Corruption and Accountability in Nigeria in General and in Kogi State specifically.
– That Corruption went beyond demanding and taking monetary gratifications, but involves all action and inactions that goes against established laws and ethics and which promotes personal ratification against that of the general population.
– Despite the increase in Media reportage on Corruption and Accountability issues, there was still gaps in information and knowledge in the citizens on Anti-Corruption and Accountability in Elections.
– Civil Society represented a wide range of citizens but there were few functional and passionate organizations working on Anti-Corruption and Accountability at State Level.
– The outcomes of elections at state and national levels overtime have not been satisfactory and acceptable to the larger majority of citizens due to perceived and sometimes real issues of Corruptions in elections.
– The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at State Level has not shown commitment in mobilizing citizens and Political Parties for the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR).
– That Political corruption particularly among political parties have had severe implications on the quality of Governance by throwing up persons with Questionable characters in Electoral Process.
– Lack of Internal Political Party Democracies have over the years been a major stumbling block in successful elections in Nigeria.
– There is low knowledge and utilization of community charter of demands by CSOs and citizen groups in engaging Political Parties and their Candidates during Elections.
– Lack of inclusion of Electronic Transmission of Result as passed by National Assembly on the Electoral Reform Bill, which is meant to curb Electoral Corruption and ensure Accountability in the Process.
*RECOMMENDATIONS*
After much discussions and deliberations, the participants made the following recommendations:
1. That there is need for increase sensitization on Anti-Corruption and Accountability in Elections at community levels
2. Need for Media to increase their reportage and investigations on Corruption and Accountability issues in pre and post Elections period to enhance political parties and their candidate to incorporate Anti-Corruption and Accountability issues in their Manifestos and Agenda.
3. Need for INEC to improve on its enlightenment and Stakeholder’s Mobilization on its activities at State Level.
4. The need for the Civil Society to increase its activities and engagement on Anti-Corruption and Accountability issues particularly as we move towards 2023 general Elections.
5. Political Parties must be engaged to mainstream Anti-Corruption and Accountability into their manifestos and Activities.
6. There is need for more proactive measures by anti-corruption agencies in timely investigation and prosecution of offenders.
7. Need to increase citizen’s timely Voter Education and sensitization by both the electoral body and relevant stakeholders.
8. Increased presence of passion-driven Civil Society Organizations in the area of Anti-Corruption and Accountability Issues in Elections particularly at State Level.
9. We call on the President Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari not to assent to the Electoral Bill as passed recently by the National Assembly, as it will draw back the progress achieved in Electoral Reform and Democracy in Nigeria.
At the end of the workshop, a new network called *Network on Anti-Corruption, Transparency and Accountability (NATA)* was unveiled. For the purpose of Information Sharing and Feedback.
The Participants appreciate the Partnership Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Support of Mac-Arthur Foundation
*Signed*
*IDRIS MILIKI ABDUL*
_*Executive Director*_
Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR),
Lokoja, Kogi State.