Rivers
Commission Tasks CSOs, Others On Accountability
The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has tasked civil society organisations, individuals and groups to demand for openness and accountability from governments at the State and local government levels.
The commission, which stated this in a resolution at the end of a two-day South-South Zonal retreat in Port Harcourt, called on state governments in the country that are yet to demosticate the Fiscal Responsibility Law to do so.
While canvassing for better accountability at the subnationals, it acknowledged the giant strides made in financial accountability and transperancy, stressing the need for it not to regress.
Speaking to newsmen, Chairman of the commission, Barrister Victor Muruako, said the retreat was to liaise with civil societies and other stakeholders in the South-South with a view to promoting transperancy and accountability in governance both at the states and the various local government councils across the zone.
He said it was for this reason that the commission invited relevant stakeholders to the retreat.
“The essence of the programme is for us to come down to the grassroots or sub-nationals to see how we can help the sub-national government officials and members of civil society groups in the South-South zone.
“The aim is to continue to engage with stakeholders and public finance management officials at the sub-national level”, he explained.
Muruako said time has come for both civil society organisations and other stakeholders to demand accountability from States and local governments as they are part and parcel of the Nigerian federation.
“Accountability is not just at the Federal or National level, we all have one economy, there is no different economy for Federal Government and another one for States, it is one Nigerian economy”, he said.
He noted that the concept of fiscal federalism entrenched in the country requires both the federal and sub-national governments to be accountable to the citizenry as far as revenue and expenditure are concerned.
Muruako said his Agency does more of engagement, “we discussed how states can adopt some federal laws, particularly the reform policies of the Federal Government”.
He also called on state governments yet to demosticate the law to do so in the interest of their people.
Speaking on the topic, “Role of Civil Society Organisations in Promoting Fiscal Responsibility”, a High Court Judge, Hon. Justice K. A. Ojiako, called on civil society organisations to play more roles in promoting transperancy and accountability at sub-national governments.
He said they can do this through regular monitoring and over sight anticorruption effort and advocacy campaign.
According to him, civil societies can also take advantage of the Freedom of Information Act to compel governments both at state and local government levels to render account of stewardship to their people.
He said various judicial reforms in the country have made it possible for civil society organisations to seek redress as far as accountability was concerned.
John Bibor, Nancy Matthew
The Rivers people in diaspora have commended the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for successful conduct of local government elections across the State.
The President of the group, Mr Churchill West Jack made the commendation in a press release made available to The Tide, stressing that the elections were fair and transparent.
He averred that the elections were described as the best local government elections in the State, and urged those who won to be magnanimous in victory.
“Warmest congratulations to the newly elected chairmen and councillors of our dear State. We sincerely thank the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission ( RSIEC ) for standing firm and conducting the fairest and most peaceful election in the history of our State.”
To our humble governor, a man of few words with so much action, who has continuously shown that God prepared him for this moment, to save the good people of our dear State from the hands of greedy men.” Finally, we want to say a big thank you to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, the honourable speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Mayor of Port Harcourt, the chairman of Obio/Akpor, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, and many more for their doggedness, and resilience in fighting side by side with the governor to save the soul of the State.
God bless the governor and God bless the good people of Rivers State.”
Akujobi Amadi
The Forum of Ex-Governorship Candidates in Rivers State from 2011-2023 has scored the just-concluded Local council elections in Rivers State.
Chairman of the forum, Prof. O. T. Gillis Harry; Secretary, Hon. Chinesum David Godwin; and Publicity Secretary, Hon Deekae Richards, in a statement on Saturday said the election has demonstrated that it is possible to conduct elections across much of the country without relying on Nigerian security agencies.
“It highlights the notion that these agencies may be a significant barrier to achieving transparent, free, fair, and credible elections. Moving forward, the Civil Defence Force should be utilised for all our elections nationwide to ensure integrity and public confidence in the electoral process”, they stated.
The forum also described the elections as the most peaceful ever conducted in the State’s history.
In their words, “it is clear that love and integrity can guide our electoral processes, demonstrating that the fear of God can lead to a harmonious outcome. As the scripture says, ‘When the righteous rule, the people rejoice’, and today, we have witnessed that truth in action’.
They also observed that the absence of police during the election did not hinder the process, but rather highlighted the remarkable organization and coordination of the event.
Commending Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for their near perfect logistics, the forum noted that the early arrival of electoral materials across all three Senatorial Districts, covering all 23 local government areas was commendable.
They emphasised the need for unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to sustain this positive momentum.
”The election has proven that good can indeed triumph over evil, and the collective effort of the people of Rivers State has been instrumental in achieving this peaceful outcome.
“Let us celebrate this milestone and continue to foster a spirit of unity and progress in our great state. God bless Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and God bless the good people of Rivers State”, the forum further said.
Congratulating the winners of the election, the Forum described the victories as a testament to the trust and confidence reposed in them by Rivers people.
“We urge you to hit the ground running, consolidate the good efforts of the Governor, and replicate his exemplary leadership in your respective Local Government Areas”, they charged the winners.
They urged the new leadership at the local government levels to improve the lives of the grassroots, and make a positive difference.
They also commended the Governor for what they called his “visionary leadership”.
Kevin Nengi
Newly sworn-in Chairman of Omuma Local Government Council, Hon. Promise Reginald, has pledged to continue providing sustainable development in the area.
Reginald, who won the local government chairmanship elections on Saturday, expressed appreciation to the people of Omuma for their massive participation in the elections, noting that his victory was affirmation that the area is ready for a new lease of life.
Speaking to newsmen about his plan to transform the area, he said, “this is a ticket for us to continue what we have started. And as we have done before, we will continue to empower our people”.
He also promised to key into the policy objectives ofthe Staye Governor, Siminalayi Fubara’s administration by ensuring development and human capital development.
Hon. Reginald won the Chairmanship under the flag of All People’s Party (APP) and assured that he would never fail the confidence reposed on him by Omuma people.
In a similar vein, Vice Chairperson of the LGA, Mrs. Regina Princewill, pledged to give new lease of life to Omuma women.
She told newsmen after casting her vote at Ward 10 Unit 8 in Omuma that the welfare of the womenfolk will be her priority.
She also promised to support the Chairman in giving advice and any other responsibility that maybe required of her office.
“I will be a team player and provide the needed support for the transformation of Omuma LGA”, she promised.
Kevin Nengia
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