Groups plan presidential debate on economy

The Nigerian Elections Debates Group, in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, is planning a Presidential Debate on Economic Policy that will hold on November 15, 2022.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of NESG, Asue Ighodalo, and Chairman of NEDG, John Ugbe, the groups said this would serve as a launch pad to discussions on the roadmap towards an inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.

“The debate will be organized by NEDG and NESG with support from the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE), BudgIT and Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU).”

The statement noted that Nigeria was at a decisive point in its history and it was critical to nudge the citizens towards making informed voting choices ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“The challenge before us, therefore, is to ensure the evolution of transformational leaders with a broad knowledge of the issues and the political will to steer the ship of our great nation towards shared economic prosperity,” it further said.

The statement further said that the partnership between the two groups was strategic and would kick off the process of making a Nigerian dream happen.

The Debate, scheduled for November, is part of the NESG’s #IfNotNowWhen? Initiative, which is geared towards sensitising stakeholders and citizens of Nigeria on peaceful, informed and accountable democratic participation.

It noted that NEDG was poised to facilitate this effort, being a coalition of broadcast organisations, civil society and professional groups tasked with organising and hosting live televised debates for presidential, vice presidential and gubernatorial candidates since 1999.