By Aliyu Bugaje

Many of us have been quick to criticise the government for a long time about certain policies and decisions that we feel are not in our best interest. We voice our frustrations to anyone who cares to listen, and often, we do nothing more than that. But what if we could do more? What if we could participate in the governance process and influence key decisions that affect our lives and the lives of those around us? The truth is that change begins with us.

Recently, I was invited to participate in the APC campaign council in the Dikko/Jobe Call Centre Katsina and subsequently in the APC Situation Room. This opportunity allowed me to understand the workings of the party, the workings of the state government, and how elections are won. In addition, I was allowed room to influence key decisions of the party, was trusted with confidential party documents, and sat down with the gubernatorial candidate and other key figures. This experience has forever changed how I view governance and politics in general.

As citizens, we often complain about the government’s inability to deliver on its promises, but what are we doing to ensure those promises are kept? Are we actively participating in the governance process, or are we content with being mere spectators? The truth is, if we want to see real change in our communities, we must be willing to roll up our sleeves and get involved.

Citizen participation is the bedrock of any democratic society. It is the foundation upon which governments are built and the driving force behind meaningful change. Moreover, when citizens participate in the governance process, they bring knowledge, experience, and ideas to help shape policies and decisions in people’s best interests.

Participation can take many forms, from joining political parties and volunteering for political campaigns to attending town hall meetings and engaging with elected officials. It can also mean organising and mobilising communities around critical issues affecting their lives and holding government officials accountable.

One of the benefits of citizen participation is that it can help bridge the gap between the government and the people. When citizens actively participate in the governance process, they become more invested in decisions. As a result, they are more likely to support policies and programs that benefit the community. It also helps to build trust and confidence in the government, which is essential for a functioning democracy.

Another benefit of citizen participation is that it can help to create a culture of transparency and accountability. When citizens are actively engaged in the governance process, they are more likely to demand transparency from their elected officials and hold them accountable for their actions. This can help to prevent corruption and ensure that government resources are being used for the benefit of the people.

The power to bring about meaningful change in our communities lies within us. As citizens, we must be willing to step up and actively participate in the governance process. We must hold our elected officials accountable for their actions, demand transparency and accountability, and work together to build a better future for ourselves and our children. Change begins with us, and it is up to us to make it happen.

Aliyu Bugaje wrote via aliyukb@gmail.com.

ByAdmin

2 thought on “‘Change Begins with Me’: The power of citizen participation in governance”
  1. Very apt and precise Aliyu. I can’t imagine how people become ignorant of the political circumstances around them.

    There’s need for youths advocacy in political inclusion I believe.

    Thank for this effort.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

WordPress › Error

There has been a critical error on this website.

Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress.