Only 10% Of Political Office Holders, 7% Voting Population Are  Politically Literate – Stakeholders

By Godwin Otang

Less than 10 percent of Political officeholders in Nigeria are viewed to have adequate knowledge of the jurisdiction of their political offices.

It has also been revealed that only 7% of Nigerians of the voting population know the political systems and are sufficiently literate politically.

This was disclosed by Kunle Lawal, the Executive Director of the Electoral College Nigeria while addressing stakeholders on issues bordering on good governance in Cross River State and Nigeria. Kunle who spoke at a Twitter Space stakeholders interactive engagement organized by the Cross River Movement (TCRM) and anchored by Iso Bassey founder of the organization, held that the shocking statistics have contributed to the poor citizen’s participation in Nigerian politics.

He pointed out that understanding and participating in the democratic process is the only thing that can guarantee results in the polity.

According to Lawal: “while governance is the provision of systems that enable the government to provide equal and fair opportunities to citizens and people who are more marginal in the society, and leading citizens to the perfect directions, citizens too owe a duty to participate by engaging these systems through meaningful contributions.”

Lawal added that: “Citizens ought to first understand the political systems and make contributions through the Media, and thereafter political parties who give the electorates the fora to participate and access government.”

Some other factors that Were enumerated as avenues through which citizens can participate to ensure good governance are; political parties, Civic Society Organizations (CSOs), the legislative arm of government, and the Media. They also enumerated that, to participate in governance, citizens need information, an open channel approach, and a full understanding of the jurisdictions of political offices all in no small measure.

The founder of the Cross River Movement (TCRM), Iso Bassey,  appreciated participants for engaging in good governance.

He expressed worry that with the extent of poverty, pursuing good governance via accountability through a seemingly slow judicial process might seem a difficult task for citizens. But encouraged citizens not to relent in the quest for a better society.