The Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), has called on all political parties and the legislature to change the negative about politics, emphasising the need for core and democratic values capable of increasing the inclusion and quality political participation of young persons and ensure value-based representation of citizens in the country.
Its Country Representative Adebowale Olorunmola, made the call Thursday in Abuja at the official launch of “Politics with Value Campaign” on the theme Inclusion and Accountability.
According to Olorunmola, the campaign was targeted at promoting positive values in Nigeria’s politics against the backdrop of change in values that had pervaded the entire country’s polity since its return to democracy in 1999.
He said WFD was working in partnership with a network of young Nigerians in politics with values globally, to strengthen democracy and focus on building citizens capacity.
Olorunmola said there was need to change the narrative on how politics should be played in Nigeria, adding that towards that end, 40 young male and female volunteers interested in participating in politics were trained at a Master Class.
He said such would enable them monitor and evaluate the legislature and political parties using value-based scorecards, such as their relationships with constituents, constantly visiting and briefing them, as well as monitoring of projects.
He listed others as law making, sponsoring of bills, contribution to plenary, participation in oversight functions, participation in public hearing, ensuring rule of law, delivery of dividends of democracy, accountability to the constituents, among others.
Olorunmola added that the campaign would not only encourage participation of young persons, but would also amplify the works of members in the National Assembly to practice politics with values.
“WFD held a round table meeting with stakeholders to identify strategies for a sustainable campaign and enhance the capacity of young persons to become change agents within political parties and other sphere of influence.
“This network will work with 40 volunteers to monitor and evaluate the activities of members of Young Parliamentarian Forum (YPF), in the National Assembly, as well as advocate for increased space for young persons in politics.
“The network will also conduct bi-monthly review and assess each parliament member and selected political parties, based on set criteria highlighted in a scorecard,’’ he said.
Olorunmola said that in 2018, the country crossed a major milestone with the passage of eligibility age bill, which he said opened doors for more young people to participate in politics.
He decried the way politics was being played in the country, describing it as self-service and personal interest politics.
“It ought to be changed to politics of common good and service, to promote inclusion and representation,’’ he said.
Earlier, Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council President, High Chief Peter Ameh, stated that the politics with values campaign is coming at a time when the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria becomes fundamental.
One of the panelist at the workshop who is the Government Relations Advisor of the NGO, Tonye Isokariari, commented on the `Not too young to Run’ Act, saying it had commenced well with about 43 young people in the National Assembly.
“In Kwara state a 26 year old lady was appointed commissioner, young people are beginning to occupy the political space, we need to build on it in upcoming elections,’’ Isokariari added.
