Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) has established a network of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and media practitioners to combat corruption in Anambra State.
The new initiative, known as the Civil Society/Media Accountability and Anti-Corruption Network was formed in Awka, Tuesday, to strengthen governance system and promote accountability in the state.
The event is part of the RoLAC’s Phase II component three programme aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and good governance in the state. It is funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA) in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, RoLAC Anambra State Coordinator, Mrs Josephine Onah, said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to intensify the fight against corruption for improved public service delivery and trust in government institutions.
She said the coalition’s work is expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing efforts to address corruption in Anambra and promote a culture of accountability.
She said, “Corruption has beaten every tool and methodology that enable accountability, transparency, and integrity. So many states in Nigeria today are facing challenges and trying moments occasioned by corruption.
“There are now scenarios where our common wealth has been eroded, depleted and no longer pleasing to anybody.
“We have come to find out those behind the corrupt practices. The Media and CSOs network will serve as a patform to look at the issues of corruption.”
Onah enumerated the various supports her organisation had given in support of the fight against corruption in the state, including the support for the enactment of the public procurement law and setting up of anti-corruption committee in local governments and MDAs to help curb corrupt practices in the system.
Ikengaonline reports that the event brought together various media and civil society stakeholders who declared their commitment to engage actively towards fighting the scourge of corruption in the state.
A communique raised at the end of the meeting and jointly endorsed by RoLAC and the participants, stated that the network will amplify citizens’ voices, monitor government operations, advocate for policy reforms, and raise public awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption in society.
It said the initiative will complement the efforts of the State Government’s Anti-Corruption Committee and Service Delivery Transparency Initiative in ensuring effective service delivery by tackling corruption within the system.
It also vowed to pool resources and coordinate efforts to drive positive change, achieve institutional strengthening, and enhance transparency and accountability in the state.
Meanwhile, Anambra State Head of Service, Lady Theodora Igwegbe, represented by Barr Tessy Obuekwe, commended RoLAC for the initiative, noting that the exercise will help engender transparency and accountability in the governance of the state.
