ARP urges representatives to consult with constituents on solutions to Nigeria’s problems
NAN-H-60
Disconnection
Lagos, Jan. 19, 2017 (NAN) The defunct African Renaissance Party (ARP) has urged elected representatives at all levels to consult with their constituents on finding solutions to the problems continually facing the country.
Alhaji Yahaya Ndu, National Chairman of ARP told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Lagos said that the challenges facing Nigeria were due to the disconnect between the representatives and the people.
Ndu was speaking against the backdrop of the killings in Southern Kaduna and other parts of the country by insurgents.
He said: “The problem in Nigeria right from independence is that there has been a disconnect between those governing and those, who are being governed.
“The system of governance that was practiced by the colonial masters was inherited by our forefathers when they claimed they got independence.
“They forgot that that particular system of government was fashioned purely for the purpose of oppression.
“Until we fashion out governance where every member of the society will have some input into how we are governed, this country will never know peace.
“Look at Nigeria the way it’s being run today; the members of the National Assembly are all in Abuja; they are supposed to be representing Nigerians from all over the country.
“Now is it crazy to suppose that democracy means electing people to think for you? No!
“The legislators are supposed to be the mouthpiece of their constituents in the National Assembly.
“In other words, they are not supposed to make any statements really until they consult with their people.
“So they are there on their own, their people are there on their own; that is total disconnect in the governance system in Nigeria, that is the fundamental problem we are confronted with.
“All the problems confronting Nigeria, people have solutions everywhere, but those in authority are not interested in the solutions, those who have solutions have no connection to implementing them.
“That is the problem with Nigeria.’’ (NAN)
LED/DOR/YEE
Edited by Nyisom Dore/Emmanuel Yashim
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