The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, the Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor has listed selfishness and nepotism as the reasons different governments fail to make policies that positively impact the people.
Most Reverend Ezeokafor who made the statement at the maiden edition of Community Parliament organized by the Justice, Development and Peace Commission, JDPC, Awka lamented that their increasing levels have become a source of great concern.
The Community Parliament, powered by the Oga Ndi Oga Solidarity Movement, was held at the Archbishop A.K. Obiefuna Retreat, Pastoral and Conference Center, Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area.
Bishop Ezeokafor, represented by his Secretary, Reverend Father Evaristus Iheanacho, said the practice where people in corridors of power try to please their family members and close associates instead of taking care of the needs of the people, creates a loophole between the government and the governed thereby retarding development and called for the large gap between the governed and the government to be closed through periodic interface in an organized manner without undue influence.
Further interrogating the problem of sustainable good governance in Nigeria, a Professor of Political Science at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Professor Chukwuemeka Nwanegbo said that tribe, sectionalism, ethnicity, and religion are promoted in Nigeria more than merit and credibility.
Professor Nwanegbo, who shared his views in his paper titled “Bridging the gap between what the people want from the government and what the government want for their people, and from the people: a call to good governance”, said the gap can only be bridged if more value is placed on votes and constant adjustment and reforms made to further strengthen institutions.
Panelists at the Community Parliament including the Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on Political Matters, Chief Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, a public affairs commentator, Chima Christian and the Anambra State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Okelo Madukife called for governments at all levels to create more platforms to interact genuinely and sincerely with the people as a way to build trust.
Earlier, the Executive Director, Justice, Development And Peace Commission, JDPC, Awka, Reverend Father Levi Ukor said like every village assembly, the Community Parliament provides the platform for members of the society to discuss issues of great importance to the society, actualize good and inclusive governance, and consolidate democracy.
The Community Parliament chaired by Prince Amobi Adirika, a former Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service, had in attendance the traditional ruler of Okpuno, Igwe Sunday Okafor and the Board Chairman of JDPC, Awka, Sir Ogo Ezeonu among numerous others.
JDPC Awka as a non-governmental organization has its activities cover the geographical areas of the Catholic Diocese Awka, which comprises parishes/chaplaincies, 13 Deaneries, 3 Regions and also covers 4 local government areas in Anambra State (Awka North,Awka South, Dunukofia, Aniocha and Njikoka). We also network with NGOs and development organizations with similar focus and ideology.
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