Kaduna community warns ‘runaway’ legislators

The people of Makera in Kaduna North Local Government Area have resolved to vote out nonperforming federal and state lawmakers during the 2019 general elections.

Speaking during a constituency briefing organised by a nongovernmental organisation (NGO), Gender Awareness Trust (GAT), with support from Christian Aid, the people said they were now aware of the power of their voters’ card.

The Village Head of Down Quarters, Makera, Alhaji Danjuma Musa, said the gathering had brought them together to talk to their representatives with one voice.

“Looking at the security situation across the country, we need security in our community. This is because even if your people are peacemakers, criminals may come from a different community and launch attack on your people. We don’t have to wait for this to happen before taking steps,” he said.

Reacting to the allegation that 90 per cent of people often made personal demands instead of collective needs from their representatives which hindered community development, the traditional leader said, “If the legislators are close to the people and are influencing projects that will lead to overall development of their communities; that will naturally reduce the burden of many personal demands.”

The Member representing Chikun Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Markus Zarmei Yari, represented by his secretary, Grace Augustine, said apart from writing him formally, locals could also approach the constituency office in the area.

Earlier, the Project Officer, Voice to the People (V2P) in Kaduna State, Stephen John, said the constituency briefing became necessary in order for the lawmakers to interface with their people with a view to come up with legislations that would address their needs.