Abuja – The Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA), an NGO, on Tuesday initiated a platform to deepen democratic accountability and bridge the gap between legislators and their constituents.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative in Abuja, Mr Samson Itodo, Head Research, Policy and Advocacy of the group, said that the platform would facilitate constituency interactions between legislators and their constituents on regular basis.
Itodo gave the name of the platform as “Young Legislators Accountability Projects“ (YLAPNG).
He also said that the project would provide technical assistance, where necessary, for young legislators with a view to increasing the number of youths in the National and State Assemblies.
Itodo said that YIAGA was driven by a strong commitment to build a new social contract where legislators would forge effective and efficient relationship with their constituents.
“ This is why we are keen to provide support system that addresses challenges likely to undermine the performance of young legislators in the 8th National Assembly, “ he said.
According to Itodo, the Legislature was central to the actualisation of the social contract that bound citizens and their elected representatives.
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He expressed optimism that the platform would improve knowledge of the youth on the role and responsibilities of legislators and increase citizen’s engagement with their elected representatives. (NAN)
