Executive Director of Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Ezenwa Nwagwu, has called for the elimination of cultural and structural barriers to inclusive governance in Nigeria.
Nwagwu, an activist and strong promoter of democracy made the call during a colloquium, book launch and dinner organised in honour of his 60th birthday, in Abuja on Monday.
Nwagwu who spoke to newsmen shortly after the colloquium, warned that governance remained flawed when vital segments of society were left behind.
“The very idea of democracy is participation. And at the core of it is that every segment of society, the young, the vulnerable, the aged and the able-bodied must have a representation on the table.
“Once there is a section, the women particularly are left behind, then that democracy is not inclusive,” he said.
Nwagwu identified the weaponisation of culture against vulnerable groups and the imposition of exorbitant fees for expression of interest and nomination forms during elections as the primary obstacles to true inclusivity in the Nigeria political space.
He also cautioned political parties against cultures restricting women participation in internal party leadership structure, leaving them underrepresented in core decision-making bodies such as National Working Committees.
“Another impediment to inclusive politics in Nigeria is those who benefit from democracy, now constricting the space for democratic participation by making expensive expression of interest and nomination forms very expensive.
“We also have lack of inclusion in the political party structures. In many political parties, women only have the position of women leaders.
“A national working committee that has about 12 people and you have only maybe two women, their voices can’t be heard in that representation.
“We need to begin to think deeper in terms of how the political parties can expand the space, remove these obstacles that are financial, cultural and political, that tend to obstruct these vulnerable sections of society from participation,” Nwagwu said.
He, however, said that in spite of those hurdles, he remained an “incurable optimist,” in the possibility of a prosperous and inclusive Nigeria.
“I believe in the possibility of an inclusive political Nigeria. I believe in Nigeria in which tribe, religion and other divisive, instruments will not be at the centre stage.
“I believe in inclusive Nigeria where competence, capacity and your mental acumen will become what will be put on the table for people to be recognised,” he said.
Commending the role of activists including Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti to make Nigeria democracy inclusive, Nwagwu emphasised the need to recognise younger Nigerians still at the forefront, struggling to expand democratic space in the country.
The event drew commendations from prominent figures who lauded Nwagwu’s consistency, revolutionary zeal and dedication to mentoring younger generations.
President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku, commended Nwagwu’s consistency and dedication to legacy since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999, urging leaders to handle public office with a sense of accountability.
“Leaders must know that every opportunity given to you is an examination. What you do with that opportunity will mark your legacy after you have left office.
“If you don’t know the power of legacy, please go back and check because that is what people will put after your name when you must have left the office.
“I believe that Nwagwu has distinguished himself. He has shown that he is consistent.
“He has shown that he is somebody who is not just reliable, but he builds relationship with respect and is somebody who is interested in legacy,” he said.
A former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs Amina Zakari, commended Nwagwu’s balanced approach to civic advocacy.
“His activism is not toxic; it is a calm activism that has cultural depth and wisdom. He has maintained his role with maturity and we urge him to continue until we achieve a better Nigeria,” Zakari said.
Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Chapter, Grace Ike, praised Nwagwu’s active mentorship, recounting how his encouragement and strategic guidance propelled her leadership journey in public service and union politics.(NAN)
