African Leaders have been called upon to set great examples by choosing not to cling to power or prioritize personal interests as leaders, but use their actions and authorities for the benefit of the entire citizenry.
The Engagement Officer, Africans Rising, Prince Akphar, who gave the advice in an interview with Voice of Nigeria also said that an elected official is a representative of the people, and as such, should be responsive to the demands of those whom they represent.
“So, as we strive to see our continent flourish, let’s remember that young people are the future and the future is now. Let’s use the power of our collective voices to call on our leaders. Let’s demand that their actions and authorities are not used for selfish aims, but that they are used to benefit the entire citizenry. Let’s raise our voices as we demand that African leaders, especially those within the ECOWAS bloc, to respect legal and constitutional terms of two mandate limits,” he said
Good governance campaign
Akphar explained that Africans Rising has been championing good governance campaign which is critical to the growth and development of the continent.
“Our movement supports the African Creative Actions Network, a collective of artists and activists who use creative actions to hold African leaders accountable on issues of environment, political stability and transparent and fair elections.
Given our grassroots engagements, Africa Rising has grown to become an organisation with the strength of over 30,000 members across the continent and in the diaspora. We are all working together to build local, national, continental and global campaigns towards expanding justice, peace and dignity for all Africans wherever they live.”
He further called for collaboration in prompting good governance in the continent
“At Africans Rising, we are determined to foster an Africa-wide solidarity and unity of purpose of the Peoples of Africa to build the future we want – a right to peace, social inclusion and shared prosperity for all Africans. I believe we are all united in this mission and I would like to encourage every young person to join Africans Rising as a member. We are because you are. With that, we can achieve the Africa we want. Let’s always remember when we work together we can achieve great things. Let us take the future of the continent into our hands”, he added.
Africans Rising for Justice, Peace & Dignity, is a non-governmental organization that amplifies broad demands for justice to connect struggles and build solidarity and cooperation within and amongst campaigns for social, economic, environmental and gender justice.
Nneka Ukachukwu
