Oxfam, Stakeholders call for opening up of civic space for smooth electoral process in Nigeria
Ben Ezechime
The Oxfam International (a Non Governmental Organization) and critical Stakeholders including the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) and Journalists drawn from different Media Organizations have advocated the need for relevant authorities to open up the civic space.
This was contained in a Communique issued at the end of a 2-Day sensitisation workshop organised by Oxfam in collaboration with the NLC in Calabar, Cross River State.
They stressed the need for citizens to get more involved in the electoral matters by taking part in electoral processes including voter registration exercise, voting proper and voter education, adding that this will enhance the credibility of elections in Nigeria.
The Communique signed by Mr Judex Okoro (NUJ) and two others representing NLC and RATTAWUU respectively, also recommended that civil agitation should be given prompt attention by government to avoid protest degenerating into violence.
They recommended further; “that there is the urgent need for the media to step up their reportage on NLC and civil society groups by constantly reporting their activities in various media outlets.
“That the media, beside the traditional role of informing, educating and entertaining, should embrace the new role of empowering the reader/audience, re-orientating the populace on government policies and programmes.
“And then hold those in power accountable for their actions and inactions as this would help again to deepen the shrinking civic space, ” the Communique said.
The participants further charged the media to continue to discharge their constitutional functions by being fair to all.
“The media must at all times uphold the principle of balancing in their reportage, especially in conflict situations arising from elections.
“That the NLC and NUJ should collaborate to mediate between the government and the governed to expand the civic space since both of them are seen as the voice of the voiceless, ” they said.
The Oxfam international is leading a campaign on promoting Fiscal accountability for inequality reduction in Nigeria and in 13 other countries.
Oxfam also collaborate with other allies and partners around the world to protect and expand the space for all people, particularly for marginalised groups to speak out, assemble and organize on issues that matter to them without fear of repercussions.
Oxfam also seek to support civil society and create civic space to influence policy, practice and norms at various levels of government and in private sector.
The aim of the workshop wasTo build alliance with editors and media practitioners on civic space reportage and to sensitize journalists on the trend in civic space closure in Nigeria and around the sub-region.
