Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has restated his government’s commitment in holding the principles of strengthening fiscal transparency, accountability and Sustainability in governance.
Dr. Ikpeazu who stated this during the flagging off/ declaring open of a two day sensitisation workshop on the open government partnership (OGP) organised by the state government in collaboration with Open Government Partnership Secretariat Abuja held at Okpara Auditorium Umuahia said that successful implementation of the OGP would help build trust between the citizens and government.
He further stated that such trust would help deepen the principle of inclusiveness and participation which the current administration has pursued with dedication.
Represented by his deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, Dr Ikpeazu said that the uniqueness of OGP was the principle which implies that the government, non state actors and civil society organizations would create the synergy in monitoring the activities and implementation of various commitment as outlined in the state action plan.
Dr. Ikpeazu said the desire to sign on to the OGP was borne out of the belief that its implementation would help deepen reforms which have already started through the implementation of different public finance management systems.
The state chief executive warned that government would not tolerate lack of dedication and commitment from those charged with these responsibilities.
According to him, As we are aware, access to development funds through the SFTAS and OGP are hinged on achieving the World Bank’s Provided Development – linked indicators and called on all to ensure that the state does not lag behind in any aspect of the programme as government would provide all the necessary support to drive the programme to its logical conclusion for the common goal of all.
In her address ,Mrs Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu ,the National Coordinator of OGP ,commended Abia government for adopting the OGP process in the governance of the state. Ibekaku-Nwagwu ,who was represented by Miss Chidinma Ilechukwu ,described the OGP process as an initiative which would strengthen anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria. She said that the implementation of the initiative entailed transitioning towards a more open government by improving inclusiveness in decision making and horizontal communication between the government and its citizenry.
Earlier ,Mr Obinna Oriaku ,the Commissioner for Finance and the state focal person ,said that the state government had resolved to make the public sector to promote improved management of public resources to provide essential services.
