Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) has unveiled Network on Anti-Corruption, Transparency, and Accountability (NATA) to reinforce support for anti-corruption initiatives and agencies towards smooth conduct of 2023 general elections.

Idris Miliki, CHRCR executive director, disclosed this during a one-day capacity building for CSOs on ‘Charter of Demands’ in prioritising anti-corruption and accountability and the presentation and unveiling of the NATA in Lokoja.

Mr Miliki added that the network would strengthen support for anti-corruption and social inclusion among critical groups and strengthening policies and programmes for anti-corruption at the state level in the country.

He said the goals would be realised through strengthening citizens’ voices for anti-corruption and social inclusion in the states by suggesting an affirmative set of actions for official implementation.

”We also aim to realise the goals through the promotion of reforms and institutionalisation of anti-corruption, transparency accountability, social inclusion affirmative action and equity in Nigeria’s electoral processes in the states,” he said.

Therefore, he called on stakeholders to prioritise anti-corruption and accountability issues and make demands in the political platforms of candidates and their parties during electoral processes.

Also speaking, the lead presenter and development consultant Jide Ojo called on all stakeholders to unite and work towards ensuring a corruption-free electoral process in forthcoming elections.

Mr Ojo tasked the legislature on electoral reforms and called on the National and State Electoral Commissions to be committed to administrative reforms before, during, and after the polls.

Initiative for Grassroot Advancement (INGRA) executive director Hamza Aliyu, who led participants through designing a charter of demands, called for increased citizens engagement in the electoral process.

Mr Aliyu explained that aside manifesto of political parties and their candidates, communities, and constituents must identify their priority needs and enter into an agreement with prospective political representatives with their charter of demands.

The capacity building was organised by the CHRCR in partnership with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and supported by Mac-Arthur Foundation.

(NAN)