…The debate is part of efforts to bring about good governance – RATTAWU
…Contesting for seats at the Senate, Reps and House of Assembly to feature
The Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) in collaboration with civil society organisations have concluded plans to hold a debate for politicians seeking public office in Anambra state.
NUJ, Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), Society for Equity Justice and Peace (SEJUP), and Bring it on Africa, in a joint press conference on Tuesday said the debate will help the politicians espouse their manifesto for electorates to be better informed about who they need to vote for.
Anambra state chairman of RATTAWU, Mrs Maureen Stone Enujioke who addressed the press conference on behalf of the leaders of the other groups said the debate is part of efforts to bring about good governance and accountability, as electorates prepare to elect their representatives.
“The debate will also help journalists to listen to the manifestos of the politicians, and keep track of them when they win the election, to ensure fulfilment of the promises to the people.
She said: “The debate is tagged ‘The Mace Debate’, and would hold among candidates of different political parties contesting for seats at the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly.
“The collaboration among NUJ RATTAWU, SEJUP and Bring it on Africa, is to present an excellent and talk of the town debate, being a maiden edition.”
Chairman of NUJ Anambra chapter Dr Emeka Odogwu, Dr Emma Ezenwaji, General Manager, of SEJUP and Mr Chigbo Nweke, President, Bring it on Africa, all spoke glowingly, of how the debate can further help electorates make informed decision, and reiterated their task of ensuring that elected public officials are held accountable as enshrined in the constitution of the country.
ANN reports that though a definite date for the debate has not been announced, Enujioke said that the debate will be streamed live on several media channels, in order to reach electorates in the hinterlands of the state.
