CSOs kick over failure to conduct LGA elections in Kogi

Stakeholders in youth activities and youth focused organizations in Kogi State have said the non-conduct of local government election in the state has deprived the youths of opportunities to participate in governance and leadership at local levels.

This was contained in a communique issued after a one-day roundtable discussion involving youths, youth focus organisations and media in Lokoja, the state capital, at the weekend.

The programme with the theme: “Youths for Leadership”, was organised by Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) in partnership with the Women Trust Fund Nigeria, with support from Macauthur Foundation.

The stakeholders stated that the failure of the state government to put machinery in place to conduct such elections before the expiration of the current elected Council on the 14th of December 2023 contravenes the constitution.

Executive Director, Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), Idris Miliki Abdul, presented paper on “Inspiring Youths for Leadership”, while Executive Director, Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA), Hamza Aliyu, spoke on “Challenges of Youth in Attaining Leadership position and the way forward”.

The stakeholders said: “There is need for consistent and periodic elections at local government levels in accordance with relevant laws and Constitutional provisions of Federal Republic of Nigeria, as at when due to strengthen the platform for youth participation in political governance and leadership”.

However, they called on the media to consistently increase reportage on youth issues in order to achieve desired impact on youth leadership in the state and the country in general.

Also, the conveners called on the youths to translate their electoral strength to elective and appointive positions in the state; even as they advocated constitutional amendment on the reduction on the age to vote and be voted for.