| Solutions for democratic participation are being advanced in a region of Nigeria, about 600 kilometers east of Lagos, at the initiative of Hope Odidika Uzodinma, governor of Imo State. His plans hold great promise for the country's ability to achieve greater stability and be able to consolidate ethnic and religious differences. |
Commitment to Participatory Democracy: Gov Hope Uzodimma's unique strategies towards citizenship involvement
The concept of participatory democracy simply means individual participation by citizens in political decisions and policies that affect their lives, especially directly rather than through elected representatives.
Aug.30.– Three important strategic initiatives of His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma underpin his commitment to participatory democracy in his governance style.
The first is the quarterly Imo Stakeholders meetings, the second is the establishment of the Imo Elders Council while the third is the participatory open budget system*.
Governor Uzodimma himself properly situated why he started the Imo State Stakeholders meeting when he stated that, “I do quarterly stakeholders meeting since I assumed office as the Governor of Imo State – the purpose of the quarterly stakeholders meeting is to create a platform for stakeholders to come and air their views – express their disappointments, or give their commendations in areas we’ve done well so that collectively we can lead Imo State”.
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