By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The 2025 Obodo Muru Anya Town Hall Meeting, has been held in Idemili North LGA headquarters hall, Ogidi, Anambra State, with “Citizens Engagement And Good Governance” as its theme.
This was contained in a release signed and made available to newsmen in Ogidi by Comrade C.C. Emereonwu. Speaking during the event, the Founder of Nelson Whyte Foundation, Comrade Nelson Nwaenyi, said he believed that good governance was all about the way public institutions conducted public affairs and managed public resources and ensuring that they operated in a way that was free from corruption and abuse, while respecting the rule of law and prioritizing human rights.
‘It’s a framework for ethical and responsible decision-making, emphasizing core values like accountability, transparency, fairness, and inclusiveness.
‘Citizen engagement is crucial for good governance as it ensures citizens’ voices are heard, promotes accountability, and strengthens public service delivery. Meaningful citizen engagement can lead to better governance, citizen empowerment, and enhanced development outcomes.
‘Citizens’ right to vote and to voice their opinion are cornerstones of a democratic society. Civic engagement is the basic precondition for an open and accountable government, stable and efficient democratic institutions, and good representation of community interests in the policy-making process.
‘Citizens’ right to vote and to voice their opinion are cornerstones of a democratic society. Let me tell us that without the independence of our INEC and judiciary from the executive arm of government, we are just chasing shadows in Nigeria, and our developing democracy is heading nowhere. Our national assembly has a big role to play in this direction.
‘Our national assembly must immediately step down the bill for compulsory voting. The bill is a big slap to our democracy and complete mockery to Nigeria’s democracy, even before the international community. Rather, they should focus more on the remote cause of voter’s apathy – unfulfilled political promises and failure of leadership,’ he said.
Nwaenyi said the bill was a violation of the fundamental human rights of the citizens and was also inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution as amended.
‘Special thanks to Crystal Garden Estate for their generous sponsorship—proof that when purpose meets partnership, great things happen. This is just the beginning. The movement continues,’ he concluded.
For his part, the Speaker, Mr Timothy Ofoegbu, said the event’s success was a testament to the vision and dedication of the Nelson Whyte Foundation, whose ongoing commitment to grassroots empowerment continued to make waves.
The event was sponsored by Crystal Garden Estate.
