A Haringey councillor has urged Africans to play a more active role in local government as a way of helping members of their community. Mr Joseph Ejiofor - Labour Councilor for Bruce Groove Ward, Tottenham made the call in the wake of the ‘Benghazi style insurgency’ in Tottenham at the weekend.

Speaking on People’s Parliament on voice of Africa Radio this morning, councillor Ejiofor expressed his regret at the lack of African representation on local government bodies and organisations.

This scenario, councillor Ejiofor pointed out has meant that members of the African community are excluded from the decision making and hence has little or no authority on the decisions affecting them.

Mr Ejiofor, who represents Bruce Groove ward on Haringey council, also regretted the tragic death of Mark Duggan, whose killing by armed police officers led to the insurgency.

However, he was scathing about the violence, looting and also attacks which followed, claiming they were perpetrated mainly by minded elements that do live in Tottenham.

Speaking on the same programme, Councillor Denise headly of Enfield and Julius Nkafor of Hackney echoed Mr Ejiofor’s sentiments. They both stressed the importance for Africans to be involved in local politics to ensure they are able to participate fully in the decisions affecting their communities.