A group known as 9JA36+ has thrown its weight behind the economic reform strategies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, citing the prompt disbursement of funds across all levels of governance as a panacea for even development.
9JA36+, a movement of like-minded individuals passionate about Nigeria’s progress, charted a path for citizens to demand accountability from public office holders during its maiden press briefing on Wednesday.
The group’s Convener, Mr. Adebola Adeyemo Adigun (007 Director), explained to newsmen that the 9JA36+ concept was inspired by President Tinubu’s assertion regarding government funds. With sufficient accruals available at all levels of government – and especially with local government autonomy fully granted – public office holders must be held accountable by the people.
Adigun maintained that citizens often direct their questions about governance to the wrong quarters. Consequently, 9JA36+ intends to enlighten the public so they can ask the right questions to the appropriate officials.
Delivering the text of the conference, Nigerian actor and 9JA36+ co-convener Obatide Kelvin emphasised the group’s core goals, which centre on educating, sensitising, and conscientizing Nigerians on the ideal relationship between the government and the governed.
‘Our goal is to make Nigerians more informed about their government and confident to demand accountability from the right people. Democracy should not end at the polling booth; it must begin with knowledge, understanding, and absolute clarity,’ Kelvin said.
‘In Nigeria, we often focus solely on the President and the Federal Government, but the truth is that the President cannot do it alone. Nigeria runs a democratic system, and every elected office has a role to play.
‘From our councillors to local government chairmen, state legislators, governors, House of Representatives members, and Senators, each person elected or appointed into office carries a responsibility to the people. If those occupying these offices fail to deliver, Nigeria cannot work the way it should.’
A stakeholder in the 9JA36+ project, Mr. Adedeji Babalola, echoed the need to ensure public office holders align with the President’s vision of making funds available for even development and wealth distribution to ensure citizen well-being.
Renowned Nollywood actress and co-convener Madam Remi Oshodi (popularly known as Surutu) further outlined the group’s active role:
‘We will act on complaints where citizens are lacking resources within their jurisdictions. We will step up, visit these offices, and tell them, ‘This is what the citizens want; please respond to it.’ Whoever fails to respond will be exposed.’
She also charged the electorate to perform their civic obligations to actively contribute to good governance in Nigeria.
Other co-conveners of the initiative include Ibitayo Buhari, Temitope Tijani, Obasola Adigun, Rykardo Agbor, Kafaru Waheed, Sonaike Taiwo, and Bakare Olamide.