Oxfam, stakeholders advocates opening up civic space for citizen participation in electoral process in Nigeria

The Oxfam International (a Non-Governmental Organization) and critical Stakeholders including the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) and Journalists drawn from different Media Organizations have advocated the need for relevant authorities to open up the civic space.

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of a 2-Day sensitisation workshop organised by Oxfam in collaboration with the NLC in Calabar, Cross River State.

They harped on the need for citizens to be more involved in electoral matters by taking part in electoral processes including voter registration exercise, voting proper and voter education, adding that this will enhance the credibility of elections in Nigeria.

The Communique signed by Mr. Judex Okoro (NUJ) and two others representing NLC and RATTAWUU respectively, also recommended that civil agitation should be given prominent attention by the government to avoid protest degenerating into violence.

They recommended: “that there is an urgent need for the media to step up their reportage on NLC and civil society groups by constantly reporting their activities in various media outlets.

“That the media, besides the traditional role of informing, educating and entertaining, should embrace the new role of empowering the reader/audience, re-orientating the populace on government policies and programmes.

“And as well hold those in power accountable for their actions and inactions as this would help again to deepen the shrinking civic space, ” the Communique said.

The participants further charged the media to continue to discharge their ethical functions by being fair to all.

“The media must at all times uphold the principle of balance in their reportage, especially in conflict situations arising from the elections.

“That the NLC and NUJ should collaborate to mediate between the government and the governed to expand the civic space since both are designated as the voice of the voiceless, ” they said.

Oxfam International is leading a campaign on promoting fiscal accountability to recede inequality in Nigeria as well as in 13 other countries.

Oxfam also collaborates with other allies and partners around the world to protect and expand the space for all people, particularly for marginalised groups to speak out, assemble and organize on issues that matter to them without fear of repercussions.

Oxfam also seeks to support civil society and create civic space to influence policy, practice, and norms at various levels of government and in the private sector.

The aim of the workshop was to build an alliance with editors and media practitioners on civic space reportage and to sensitize journalists on the trend in civic space closure in Nigeria and around the sub-region.