Year 2021: Civil Society Tasks Govermment to fast-track development

….. To Embark On COVID-19 Sensitization

Sequel to the observed global second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET) a platform for Citizens and Non State Actors is set to embark on sensitization and mobilization of citizens to comply with the Non Pharmaceutical Intervention Protocols, in curbing the spread of the deadly virus, and protect the lives of citizens.

In a New Year State of The State (SAS) address co-signed by the group’s Chairman, Prince Chris Azor, who also doubles as Co-Chair, Citizens’ Open Govermment Partnership (OGP) and Comrade Kenechukwu Makwudo, Organizing Secretary, the group stated that “From a COVID-19 perspective, early year 2021 requires a lot of restrictions and compliance protocols to flatten the curve of a second wave of the pandemic, even as Nigeria is part of a global mechanism for procurement and equitable distribution of eventual COVID-19 vaccines.”

According to the statement, members of ACSONET in the 21 LGAs of the State, have been trained and sensitized to step down to the 330 Political Wards.

Our volunteers are already assisting other health workers and stakeholders in identification, contact tracing and testing of citizens.

However, the group tasks governments at the Federal and sub-national levels to embark on massive developmental projects to fast-track the process of exiting the current economic recession in the country by paying particular attention to security, social infrastructure, Agriculture, youth/women empowerment and general poverty alleviation.

The group lauds the January to December budget implementation circle being observed by the federal and State governments. This it believes, will help to ensure timely implementation of the fiscal policy.

ACSONET however enjoins the Govermment to deploy sufficient transparency and accountability measures in service delivery, going forward.

Realizing the critical role security plays towards economic stability and prosperity, the group implores government at all levels to partner with citizens to push back all forms of insecurity, through reforms, technology and partnerships.

As Anambra State faces another round of gubernatorial election towards the end of the year to elect a successor to the incumbent who is completing his second term in office, the civil society group urges all stakeholders to imbibe the culture of free, fair, credible and violence free elections and to eschew all forms of bitterness.

It recommends early education and sensitization of the electorate to curb the worrisome voter apathy and vote buying in the State.

On its part, ACSONET will embark on early sensitization and mobilization of the electorate, starting from the continuous voter registration exercise slated for the first quarter of the year.

The group appreciates the State government, ably led by the State Governor, Chief (Sir) Willie Obiano, for the palpable peace and good governance experienced in the State.

It also commends the efforts of the Police Command in the state headed by Commissioner of Police (CP) Mr John Abang, and indeed the entire security architecture in the State.

It enjoins Ndi Anambra to take responsibility, observe all COVID-19 protocols and keep safe.

Signed

Prince Chris Azor
Chairman

Comrade Kenechukwu Makwudo.
Organizing Secretary