Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Government has been urged to review the state’s Open Government Partnership (OGP) State Action Plan (SAP 1), which was not implemented by the previous administration.
The Abia State OGP SAP 1 was developed in 2018 but abandoned by the past administration, according to Civil Society Advisor, OGP National Secretariat Abuja, Mr Uchenna Arisukwu.
Speaking at a three-day workshop organised in Umuahia by African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development, in partnership with MacArthur Foundation, Arisukwu charged the current administration in the state to go beyond review of the state SAP 1, but ensure implementation of SAP 2.
Arisukwu who regretted the failure of the previous administration to implement OGP SAP 1, said OGP helps to engender development and enhances trust between Government and the citizens.
He explained that the essence of the review was to identify the thematic areas including accountability, transparency, citizens’ engagement and technology advancement; and roll them over the objective to SAP 2.
Maintaining that the people remain the primary beneficiaries of OGP, the Civil Society Advisor, urged Governments to key into the global platform already signed up to by 77 countries, and 26 states in Nigeria.
He noted that OGP opens a state to international stage for foreign direct investment and intervention funds.
Arisukwu, however, expressed delight over the commitment so far demonstrated by the current administration in Abia State towards OGP, saying “it’s a signal that the Government is set to change the narrative.”
“Today, we can see the political will on the part of Abia State Government to do things differently, and right. That’s the primary essence of OGP so that the citizens will be part of what government is doing and be able to hold it accountable.”
He further noted that the civil society and the media as critical stakeholders in OGP, have great rolls in accessing information about Government activities and holding government accountable for the masses.
“They need to sit down with government, look at government agenda, and tie it to the action plans,” he said.
In a remark, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Kingsley Anosike, said that the current administration under the watch of Gov. Alex Otti, came on board to do things differently, hence its commitment to OGP.
He restated the commitment of the state government towards open, transparent, accountable and inclusive governance.
“Gov. Otti who is an advocate of transparency and accountability will do everything to ensure OGP works in the state,” he said.
State and non-state actors including civil society groups and the Nigeria Labour Congress, Umuahia Chamber of Commerce, participated in the workshop.
In a remark, the Executive Director, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), Monday Osasah, said that the centre with its partners, was deeply committed to the success of OGP as part of its contributions towards deepening democracy in Africa.
He urged states and countries yet to sign up for the global platform to do so without further delays in view of its numerous merits.
