29/06/2025
COMMUNIQUE OF THE ADAMAWA COALITION OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS ON ELECTION AND GOOD GOVERNANCE AT THE END OF ITS MONTHLY MEETING HELD THURSDAY 26TH JUNE 2025
The Coalition of CSOs for Election and Good Governance in Adamawa (Adamawa Coalition) held its monthly meeting on Thursday 26th June 2025. Members were called upon to actively participate and take learning back home, towards achieving the civic education that will make them active participants in the development of their local areas. The Agenda included *Understanding and Contributing to the Budgeting Process.* This was called “Citizens Budget” by Governor Fintiri, and Traditional Council Reform in Adamawa. UNDERSTANDING BUDGET & MAKING IT GENDER-RESPONSIVE The presenter emphasized the importance of having a budget, defining it as a financial plan that outlines expected income and expenses over a set period. He advised that when a budget is made, presented and approved, strict adherence is crucial to avoid unnecessary expenses not appreciated by the constituency. *What is Gender-Responsive Budgeting?* This budgeting approach ensures inclusiveness, especially involving community members who are the intended beneficiaries. Gender responsive budgeting leaves no one behind, i.e. women, youths, people living with disability, orphans, widows, etc. Key points include prioritising community needs, i.e. healthcare needs, social amenity to include all. Jada Special School was cited as example, which duly appears in the budget every year, yet the school is in ruins as no one seems to have a stake and noone follows up. And there is need for all schools to have ramps built to facilitate the movement of all those with physical disabilities. *Community Oversight and Action* . Community members need to monitor and follow up on budget implementation via political representatives. The Community Social Development Agency (CSDA) can be approached to facilitate the provision of such social amenities. Communities should hold their representatives to demand the provision of services and implementation from the government. Communities can equally submit proposals to the Agency and, with just a 10% contribution or commmitment, funding can be released for local development projects.STATE OF THE NATION BRIEFING: ADAMAWA TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION The Adamawa State House of Assembly is reviewing a new Traditional Institutional Reforms Law, it is currently on its 2nd reading. A committee has been formed to receive comments from the public. Key Provisions in the Law is to include replacement of incapacitated Chiefs and Emirs and the removal of non-inherited titles to non indigines of such Chiefdoms or Emirates. Concerns and Reactions have been expressed by a subdued public, expressing worries that this is targeted at individuals for political reasons, as there is already established laws dealing with such matters. It seems that the State House of Assembly is there to rubber stamp the requests of the governor. It was, however, acknowledged that a couple of members have voiced their concerns, and a committee has been constituted to look into it. *Discussions on the roles and responsibilities of Legislative Council* members were held so participants can better understand the roles and responsibilities of Council members. Council members are always a check to balance power between the Executive and Legislative arms of a governance structure. There is public concern that the proposed amendment is to settle scores, and this is a dangerous trend. Caution has been sounded, and members advise the traditional Council to retreat to their non-political role and remain as fathers to all, as it was in the past. *Recommendations and Way Forward:* To return and study the provisions of the Constitution and the instruments that have been running the traditional institutions and let this be a guide to the reform. Members pointed out that the traditional institution should not be modernized but strengthen each communities history to give guidance and solace to its communities. Government is not supposed to want to make the traditional institution conform to its political leanings but to consult and support their roles as fathers. Communities must be part of their own destiny and not keep quiet and watch things happen. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) must continue to educate their communities towards attaining peace and becoming active participants in the active governance and progress in their communities, not just recipients. Silence and timid acceptance of everything heaped on them equals to loosing their right to complain when their rights are tramped upon with impunity. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre
Centre for Democracy and Development
Follow The Money
