Yemisi Izuora
Some gubernatoral candidates in Lagos state have signed the Peoples’ Charter tagged ‘Our Lagos’ with the objective of establishing the minimum standards of governance practices acceptable to Lagosians in accordance with the tenets of democracy.
Endorsement of the document was the highlight of a town hall meeting organised by the Lagos State Civil Society Partnership (LACSOP) -Citizens Networks and Association.
The event which was facilitated by the State Accountability and Voice Initiative (SAVI) a funded program by DFID in Nigeria was attended by various civil society organisations including People with disabilities.
Apart from candidates of the All Progressive Congress, Akinwumi Ambode and Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Bolaji Ogunseye, KOWA party, Oloye Victor Adeniji and the National Conscience Party (NCP), Comrade Ayodele Akele, attended the townhall meeting and signed the document.
The Citizens Network, under the auspices of the Lagos State Civil Society Platform (LACSOP) comprise of representatives of multi-disciplinary Civil Society Organisations and Citizens Networks including youths, artisans, market women and men, farmers, religious groups, human rights organisations, people living with disabilities group,
The candidates promised to provide purposeful leadership if elected into office and in particular that their administration will recognise and partner those with disability.
The National Conscience Party (NCP), candidate, Comrade Ayodele Akele, promised to revive the industrial hub of the state and improve on the transportation sector.
Akele also said the issue of multiple taxation will be addressed and a level playing environment will be promoted to boost commerce and industry.
Ayo Adebusoye, co-ordinator of the LACSOP in his presentation, said the charter was put together to establish the true representation of the priorities of the people and the expected performance standards of elected leaders.
Adebusoye, also said that the charter is set to establish the basis for minimum standards of governance practices acceptable to the people and to form the basis for proper participatory monitoring and evaluation process of government activities.
In a similar development, the LACSOP held a town hall meeting for Lagos Central Senatorial Districts House of Assembly Candidates.
The objective was to establish a partnership between the candidates and the citizens with the view to fostering understanding of the roles of both the people and the would be legislators.