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Tag: accountability

  • Group reviews year-long advocacy, reaffirms commitment to accountability, development

    Group reviews year-long advocacy, reaffirms commitment to accountability, development

    The Ondo Redemption Front (ORF) has recapped its activities for the outgoing year, highlighting its sustained advocacy for accountability, transparent governance, and people-centred development in Ondo State.

    At her December state of the state Address delivered in Lagos by the Chairman of the group, Comrade Ayodeji Ologun, PhD, the Co-Chairman, Comrade Mogbojuri Kayode, Esq., and the secretary Adedotun Ajulo Esq., the civic organisation said the year under review was marked by consistent engagement with governance issues through its widely known State of the State monthly press conferences.

    According to the statement, the ORF’s monthly State of the State briefings served as a structured platform for assessing government policies, public finance management, service delivery, and the overall performance of state institutions. 

    The group noted that these engagements were driven by facts, research, and civic responsibility, rather than political sentiment or personal interest.

    The ORF stated that throughout the year, it maintained a principled balance by acknowledging areas of progress while also drawing attention to lapses, inconsistencies, and governance gaps where necessary. 

    It stressed that its interventions were guided by the belief that accountability strengthens democracy and that constructive criticism is essential for responsive governance.

    Beyond its press engagements, the group said it remained committed to serving as a reasoning voice for the people of Ondo State, amplifying public concerns and reinforcing the idea that public office is a trust that must be exercised in the interest of the citizens. 

    The organization added that its advocacy was anchored on the long-term development of the state and the protection of democratic values.

    The group further reaffirmed the ORF’s commitment to the development of Ondo State, noting that its vision remains a state governed with transparency, competence, inclusiveness, and empathy, where public resources are judiciously managed and policies are evaluated based on their impact on the lives of the people.

    The group commended the people of Ondo State for their resilience, civic consciousness, and continued commitment to democratic engagement despite prevailing economic and social challenges. 

    It noted that the perseverance and participation of citizens remain a source of encouragement for sustained advocacy.

    Extending goodwill messages for the festive season, the Ondo Redemption Front conveyed warm greetings to the people of the State, wishing them peace, renewed hope, and a prosperous year ahead.

    The group urged the government to move beyond policy statements and announcements in the coming year and focus on the delivery and commissioning of visible, impactful projects for residents of the state.

    It added that the Ondo Redemption Front remains committed to acting as a watchdog for the public interest, a platform for civic engagement, and a constructive voice in public discourse.

    Looking into the new year, the ORF assured that it would remain vigilant, independent, and principled in its operations. 

    The group pledged to intensify its advocacy for transparency, accountability, good governance, and people-oriented policies, while continuing to engage government constructively and speak truth to power without fear or favour.

    The statement concluded that in the coming year, the Ondo Redemption Front will remain steadfast as a watchdog of public interest, a platform for civic engagement, and a voice of reason, committed to justice, equity, and the sustainable development of Ondo state.

  • Banire, Etomi to technocrats in public offices: ensure probity, accountability

    Banire, Etomi to technocrats in public offices: ensure probity, accountability

    A former Chairman of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), has advised technocrats in the public service to always liaise with the legal community, if they wish to survive the nation’s political muddy waters.

    Banire said this while delivering his lecture, titled: The Burden of A Nigerian Technocrat in Public Office, at an annual lecture organised by the Lagos chapter of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondent (NAJUC).

    The lecture, with the theme: Navigating the Delicate Balance Between Politics, Law, Media Pressure and Public Perception, was chaired by a member of the Body of Benchers, George Etomi, who said democracy would thrive where the people ensure an effective working of a strong and vibrant media and judiciary.

    It attracted personalities from the Judiciary, the media, and the civil service.

    Banire enumerated several factors that burden technocrats in public offices and inhibit their performances.

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    The former AMCON chairman said a technocrat must be conscious of the environmental and legal restrictions that limit his ability while in office.

    He listed the inhibitions as due process, red-tapism, administrative bottleneck, cultural and religious considerations, public perception, legislative interference, and media pressure.

    In his remarks, Etomi canvassed for a strong and vibrant media and judiciary to strengthen democracy.

    He said: “Looking at Nigeria, the level of patriotism is very low. Hardly can you see an American or a European running down their countries on the social media, while the contrary is the case in Nigeria.”

    Two journalists – Joseph Jibueze of The Nation and Joseph Onyekwere of The Guardian – were  honoured for their contributions to the media and the association.

  • ‘We’re for accountability not witch-hunting’ 

    ‘We’re for accountability not witch-hunting’ 

    Anambra State House of Assembly yesterday said its Public Account Committee (PAC) was not created to witch-hunt any ministry, department or parastatal, but to ensure transparency, accountability and probity.

    The committee Chairman, Noble Igwe, said this when the Ministry of Power and Water Resources appeared before the Committee on Oversight and Review of the 2022 Audit Account of the Government.

    He said: “We’re not here to witch-hunt anybody. Our target is to ensure probity and judicious use of funds. We’re interested in looking at the papers vis-a-vis appropriation law and audited accounts and juxtaposing them to confirm their authenticity with the law. 

    “For example, you can’t appropriate what’s meant for borehole for electricity. It’s not done. We have specifics in our budget to ensure funds allocated for each purpose are used for such purposes.”

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    Expressing satisfaction about the ministry’s performance, Igwe, however, identified certain grey areas their payment vouchers did not tally with in the audited accounts, urging the commissioner and his team to go back and cross-check their records ahead of next sitting.

    Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Julius Chukwuemeka, an engineer; described the process as laudable and transparent, noting that it was in tandem with the current administration.

    to ensure transparency and accountability for the benefit of residents.

    “The issue of accounting also entails committee members visiting the project locations to see for themselves exactly what is on ground, which we’ll furnish them with the lists.” 

    Other ministries that appeared before the committee yesterday included that of Culture and Tourism as well as Sports.

  • Promote accountability, BPP tells perm secs

    Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Director-General Mamman Ahmadu has charged permanent secretaries and other stakeholders in the procurement process  to ensure accountability in carrying out their responsibilities.

    Speaking at the Ninth Annual Public Procurement Retreat for Federal Permanent Secretaries in Lagos at the weekend, he said the consistency of the forum had improved public procurement process, and led to better public funds expenditure pattern and budget implementation.

    “To ensure  the success of the procurement reform, the BPP  is, in line with global best practices, embarking on new sustainable public procurement initiatives. For instance, the National Open Contracting Portal (NOCOPO), the global award winning initiative which further emphasise the need for transparency, competition and level playing field among contractors, consultants and service providers, has placed Nigeria among the best public procurement regulators in the world,” he said.

    The BPP boss added that while the national upgrade, a version 2 of the Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers (CCSP) was ongoing, the Price-Checker platform, which harmonises prices of items is also in progress.

    BPP, he said, runs Research Centres at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and the University of Lagos, among others to boost capacity for key stakeholders in the public procurement practice.

    He urged the Federal Government to institutionalise the National Conference on Public Procurement (NACOPP) to provide a regular forum for advancing the course of procurement reform nationwide.

    Ahmadu disclosed that with support from the BPP and international development agencies, 25 states have so far established their procurement regulatory agencies to enable the agency continually meet emerging challenges.

    He said the yearly retreat helps BPP to take stock of progress in the reform and, most importantly, discuss the actions needed for budget implementation in public procurement.

    He reiterated the key roles being played by Permanent Secretaries, who he sees as the Accounting Officers, in the  implementation of the public procurement reform.

    “Federal Permanent Secretaries are recognised as the Accounting Officers in the Ministries under Section 20, Sub-Section 1 of the Public Procurement Act 2007 (PPA, 2007). This places them at the heart of the procurement process. They take responsibility for ensuring the compliance of MDAs with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007,” he added.

    Also, the Head Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, said the retreat has continually helped the participants in executing yearly budgets with ease and their public procurement knowledge.

    She said the implementation of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 was a call to probity, accountability, competition, value for money and quality in the expenditure of public funds.

    She said public funds are tailored towards the realisation of key objectives of government, such as provision of utilities and infrastructure.

  • Lagos urges auditors on accountability

    Lagos State Government has urged auditors in its civil service to ensure accountability and transparency in the discharge of their duties.

    Head of Service Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola said this at a retreat for auditors of local governments at Lekki, Lagos.

    The theme is ‘Role of auditors in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Muri-Okunola said the 17 goals of the SDGs is no doubt a blueprint that will ensure better governance.

    He the economic state of the country calls for diligence and a high sense of responsibility among the auditors, who are “expected to perform their roles with accountability and transparency.”

    Muri-Okunola said: “The roles of auditors cannot be overemphasised. As we are, as government, business owners, auditing is about expenditure and is key to what the government can achieve at every level. We need you to double your efforts.

    “At this point when public trust is bestowed on you, transparency and accountability will help government serve the people better.”

    Accountant-General for Local Governments in Lagos Mrs Adesumbo Abolarin called on the auditors to equip themselves with emerging skills in line with international best practices for better performance.

    Abolarin, who noted that the 17 SDGs points aimed at addressing global challenges are no mere task to achieve, said auditors at the grassroots have a vital role to play.

    “Problems start when basic amenities and opportunities of life are not available to human beings.

    These basic amenities are in most cases responsibility of the local governments. You may agree with me that auditors have a vital role,” she said.

    She urged auditors to have the interest of the society at heart in their discharge of duties, saying “unless the basic needs of humanity are met, the risk of more parts of the country degenerating into unrest is higher.”

     

  • Accountability, inclusiveness in the health sector: dRPC organizes retreats for Kano OGP

    As part of efforts to hold government accountable to its promises through enhanced inclusiveness, transparency and accountability in governance, the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) in partnership with the Women in Media (WIM) under the Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health At Scale, PACFaH@Scale is organizing a two day retreat for the Open Government Partnership, Kano as a way of improving engagement in governance.

    The Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family at Scale, PACFaH@Scale, (PAS) is a social accountability project which aims to strengthen the capacity of Nigerian Civil Society Organizations, (CSOs) at national and state levels to hold decision-makers (in the executive and legislature) to account on Health policies/laws, Financial commitments, and to bring down regulatory barriers related to child and family health.

    PAS is anchored by the development Research and Project Center, (dRPC), and implemented by a coalition of 12 indigenous health NGOs/professional associations and supported by 2 government think tanks(NIPSS and NILDS), working to develop champions within the executive and legislature

    The Kano state OGP retreat, which aims to find solutions bedeviling the various sectors of governance in the state, and especially in the health sector, is geared towards developing an implementation plan for the realization of the goals of the Kano state action plan of the Open Government Partnership (OGP)

    In a statement signed by the Co-Chair of the OGP, Hajiya Halima Ben Umar and made available to newsmen, the retreat will develop mechanism for inclusiveness in the health and other sectors of the state.

    ‘This retreat is a partnership between the Kano State open government partnership and the Women in Media, under the PACFaH@Scale project and it is organized to look at the operationalization of the OGP action plan which aims to bring solutions to social challenges in the state’

    She added that the relationship between OGP and the PAS project is a welcome development that will not only improve the social accountability framework in Kano State, but will go a long way in improving the public engagement in some identified areas for socio-economic development of the state.

    ‘By the end of the two day retreat, it is hoped that we will come out with strategies that will galvanize citizens participation in governance in Kano state’ she added.

  • NIM urges public officers on accountability

    The Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) has advised public officers in the country to be accountable and initiate policies and programmes that would improve the standard of living of the citizens.

    It further urged the government to respect the principle of federalism which allows every tier of government to enjoy a certain level of autonomy.

    Speaking yesterday at opening ceremony of the 2018 Annual National Management Conference at the Afficent Event Centre, Kano, Prof Kamilu Sani Fage of the Department of Political Science, Bayero University Kano, who gave the lecture titled: Re-engineering leadership for National Development at the ceremony, said the surest way to re-engineer leadership for national development is good governance.

    He said: “Leaders should initiate progressive economic policies and programmes that should create employment, thus, raising the standard of living of Nigerians. The respect for the rule of law, not only in theory but also in real practice by the constituted bodies, authorities and rest of us should also be enhanced, to promote good governance in Nigeria.

    “There must be respect for the principle of federalism whereby autonomy and responsibilities are accorded to every tier of government in the federation.”

    In his welcome address, governor  Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, said  good leadership should be in the front burner and conscience of Nigerians, for the country to achieve prosperity.

  • ‘Churches must promote probity, accountability’

    A two-day conference by the Redeemed Christian Bible College (RCBC) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in conjunction with Department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan and Redeemers University, Ede ended last week with a call on churches to spearhead probity and accountability in the nation.

    Speakers after speakers said churches must be at the forefront of efforts to achieve accountability in Nigeria.

    It was at the International Conference on African Pentecostalism (ICAP) 2018 with the theme “African Pentecostalism: Probity and Accountability”.

    Speaking at the conference, Assistant General Overseer Education and Training RCCG, Pastor Ezekiel Odeyemi, said probity and accountability will change the game in the nation’s political space.

    According to him: “We are not proud about what is happening in the political space and the nation in general and we believe that introducing probity and accountability to our society will make the difference and we will have a society that we will be proud of.

    “If the church and religious leaders do their works well, the issue of probity and accountability will be taken care of.

    “If we don’t celebrate those who are not accountable, if our traditional rulers do not give chieftaincy tittles to those who are not doing well, everybody will be forced to sit up.

    “The fact that we celebrate thieves, those who their wealth cannot be accounted for is an indicator that we have problem in our society.”

    The event also featured the launch of a book The changing faces of African Pentecostalism by Babatunde Adedibu and Benson Igboin.

    The Keynote speaker, Professor of Religion and Philosophy, Department of Religion and Philosophy, University of Jos, Plateau State, Prof Umar Danfulani, said to ensure probity and accountability in Nigeria, we have to start all over again.

    He said Nigeria needs organisation, orderliness and a responsive civic education to ensure probity and accountability.

    Dr Corey Williams from Leiden University Netherlands said all hands must be on deck for the nation to develop through probity and accountability.

    National Overseer RCCG Nigeria Pastor Joseph Obayemi said: “The system from the lowest level to the top is corrupted; the church, individual Christians should stand for probity and accountability with righteousness and holiness and our political leaders must fear and put God first in everything they do.”

  • COO seeks accountability in govt

    The Chief Operating Officer (COO), The Future Project, Bukonla Adebakin, has called for a new sense of direction and renewed commitment to transparency and accountability in governance to promote economic growth.

    Speaking at the fourth edition of the Nigeria Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders held in Lagos, Adebakin also called for a more inclusion of the youths in leadership and governance.

    Adebakin said: “The 2019 elections can play an important role in creating a better future for Nigeria, especially when we can collectively defeat voter apathy and young Nigerians realise that through elections, we can truly pass the message about true governance and effective leadership”.

    “This is an opportunity for inter-generational dialogue and to seek feedback from those who hold the levers of power on the quality of their service and stewardship”.

    The event was created to highlight the need to change negative narratives about Nigeria while spotlighting the role of the youth in demanding for better governance and improvement in the system of leadership.

    Organised by The Future Project, the event themed ‘Shaping New Narratives’,  brought together leaders of thought and influential personalities in politics, business, advocacy, media, and more – to engage and discuss issues of governance, public policies, and civic engagement.

     

  • Group tasks govt on accountability, governance

    The Red Card Movement (RCM) has called on government at all levels to follow the principles of accountability and sound governance principles in the interest of the economy.

    The group, which applauded the success recorded at its launch in North-east, North-central, North-west, South-south and South-east, has also advanced to South West as regional launch holds in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

    The group which takes its message to the streets, said it will hold a rally at Femak filling station, Ojoo, Moniya road on May 26.

    Its Convener and Former World Bank Vice President, Oby Ezekwesili reminded Nigerians of the crucial roles they have to play to make Nigeria the country of their dreams. “The first step toward this is for them to register and collect their Permanent Voter Card (PVC). This should be followed by coming out on election dates and vote out bad leaders that have held Nigerians down through bad and incompetent governance styles,” she said.

    Ezekwesili emphasises that bad governance has led to the cyclical truncation of democracy in Nigeria, and where we have had democracy, it turned out to be a far cry from what true democracies represents. This has been the norm since the termination of the First Republic in 1966.

    As a result of these abnormalities, key institutions, systems, principles and ethos that underpin democratic practice has remained extremely problematic and largely underdeveloped. One of such key institutions are dynamic, strong, inclusive and accountable political parties that can articulate sound policy positions and inspire confidence that they – the political parties -are capable of governing effectively when voted in by the electorate.

    According to her, Nigeria’s weak political structure has made it quite challenging producing credible, competent and capable leaders who have the interests of the nation at heart. One of the fundamental reasons is the fact that the party structures are filled with politicians with vested tribal, religious or regional interests rather than the interest of a vibrant and prosperous Nigeria.

    It is to fill this important vacuum that the movement is stepping in to sensitise Nigerians on the need to vote out bad leaders by identifying political parties and politicians that have nothing to offer the country. As the RCM advances to other part of the country, it will be reminding Nigerians on how to key into the movement’s objectives.