By Daruwana Daku and Amos Wise
The Justice Development and Peace Caritas, JDPC, Awka Diocese, through a programme called Community Legislative Members’ Interactive Platform (CLIP), July 13, held a one-day constituency briefing at Njikoka Local Government Area Headquarters in Abagana.
The briefing which was key to state legislators in reeling out their programmes in their respective constituencies to their constituents, featured the member representing Njikoka II Constituency at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Jude Akpua.
The interactive platform availed the convener and the member representing Njikoka II State Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Jude Akpua, the opportunity of presenting his One-Year Scorecard as a Legislator. Giving his account of stewardship in the past year as a Lawmaker, Hon. Akpua who is the Deputy Majority Leader of the 8th Assembly, said his constituency had developed, following his developmental strides in many sectors.
In a keynote address, Rev Fr Levi Ukor, the Diocesan Director of JDPC, said the one day briefing was an initiative of the JDPC to put elected officers in check and to underscore their progress so far in the representation of their constituents.
Fr Ukor who noted that the Anambra State legislature served as the closest government to the people, especially as the state had not had elected local government chairmen for a long time now, also added that constituency briefing was pivotal to the people, as it played a crucial function in a democratic culture.
‘The hallmark of constituency briefing is a democratic culture and a platform where legislators give account of their stewardship and representation.
‘It is also an opportunity for the house member to discuss with his constituents on some needs assessment and deliberate on strategic solutions on how to tackle the bottleneck,’ the Director noted.
For his part, Hon. Akpua who used the opportunity to reel out his achievements thus far as Njikoka II Constituency representative, outlined major infrastructural development strides that his representation had attracted to his constituency. They include: empowerment of youth and women; education; health care; and employment.
According to him, the projects were in line with the plights of his constituents, noting that they were important in order to solve their pressing needs. He said the projects were driven based on the needs of his people.
The lawmaker also appreciated the work of the Governor of the state, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, for creating an enabling environment for developmental strides and for combating insecurity in the state.
While outlining his key functions as a legislator, Hon. Akpua also jettisoned the idea of waiting for elections before organising briefings. In commending the JDPC for ensuring true representation, the assembly member called for continuous accountability and transparency of elected officials in the state.
The constituency briefing was attended by stakeholders within the state and constituents among who were the religious and traditional leaders; political and party leaders from different parties; women youth and students.
It also featured an interactive session and speeches from key stakeholders present.
