Niger: OrderPaper’s ACEs urge use of Shuttle Diplomacy in resolving impasse

Active Citizens Engaging the Legislature (ACEs) is an initiative of OrderPaper; Nigeria’s foremost independent parliamentary monitoring organisation and policy think tank, conceived to achieve the implementation of its Legislative Accountability and Constituency Engagement (Leg’ACE) Programme.

As stakeholders continue to seek solutions to the political situation in Niger Republic, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been urged to pursue the option of shuttle diplomacy more vigorously.

This call was made as part of resolutions of the Active Citizens Engaging the Legislature (ACEs); an initiative of OrderPaper, following its inaugural national plenary presided over by Efio-Ita Nyok; the group’s National Coordinator, on Friday, August 11, 2023

In examining a way out of the political crisis, the ACEs urged the Federal Government of Nigeria, through its involvement in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to encourage the pursuance of a diplomatic approach and exercise restraint in response to the recent military intervention in Niger Republic.

“We are against any military involvement but instead advocate for the utilisation of shuttle diplomacy and international collaboration to address the situation. Such an approach aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and regional stability. The ACEs urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withdraw the country’s Armed Forces from the border between Nigeria and Niger as resolved by the 10th National Assembly,” part of the communique read.

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Speaking on the recent ministerial screening and confirmation of nominees of President Bola Tinubu for the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the ACEs emphasised the importance of transparency and informed decision-making in Nigeria’s governance structure. According to the group, attaching nominees’ portfolios subsequently would provide the citizenry and relevant stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the nominees’ qualifications, expertise, and intended roles within the government.

“This step would provide the Nigerian citizenry and relevant stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the nominees’ qualifications, expertise, and intended roles within the government. Such transparency is vital to strengthening accountability and public trust.”

On the issue of gender inclusion in ministerial nominations, the ACEs advocated the implementation of a gender-sensitive approach in the selection of ministerial nominees in recognition of the significance of gender equity in nation-building and governance. The group thus called on the President to reconsider and align the ministerial list with the principles and values of the established National Gender Policy.

“We call upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to reconsider and align its ministerial list with the principles and values of the established National Gender Policy. Particularly, the ACEs seek to remind the federal government of the 6th April 2022 Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which ordered the federal government to enforce the National Gender Policy by allotting 35 per cent of appointments in the public sector to women.”

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The ACEs noted that “by ensuring a balanced representation of both genders, Nigeria’s leadership will reflect the diversity and inclusivity that are fundamental to a thriving democracy.” This as they noted their unwavering commitment to fostering legislative accountability, enhancing citizen engagement, and promoting gender equity within Nigeria’s governance framework.

Active Citizens Engaging the Legislature (ACEs) is an initiative of OrderPaper; Nigeria’s foremost independent parliamentary monitoring organisation and policy think tank conceived to achieve the implementation of its Legislative Accountability and Constituency Engagement (Leg’ACE) Programme.

The group, with members across the 360 Federal constituencies of the country, was established in 2022 by OrderPaper in line with its mandate to bridge the gap between people and parliament.