Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
A civil society organisation, African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa); and the media have resolved to work in partnership to promote accountability and good governance in Abia State.
The resolution was taken at a media roundtable organised in Umuahia by CHARS-Africa for journalists to explore ways the media could help hold state actors accountable for the people.
Participants at the event expressed concern over the reluctance of state actors in complying with the various legislative frameworks meant to promote accountability and good governance.
Some of the most neglected legislative frameworks include the Public Procurement Act 2007, Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, and the Freedom of Information Act 2011.
With the title, “Support to Civil Society Advocacy towards Strengthening Key legislative Frameworks for increased Accountability and Good Governance in Abia State,” the media round table was attended by media practitioners drawn from various platforms.
The programme was powdered by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC), with the support of the European Union.
Addressing participants, the Executive Director of CHARS-AFRICA, Mrs Amaka Biachi, a lawyer, said the engagement was aimed at bringing the media on board in the efforts to promote accountability and good governance in the state.
She decried lack of local content in the Public Procurement Act domesticated in the state since 2012.
The CHARS Africa boss noted with concern the unwillingness of the state actors to comply with the provisions of the various legal frameworks put in place to promote accountability and good governance.
She, therefore, solicited the assistance of the media in helping to hold the state actors accountable for the people.
According to her, it is only through effective synergy between the media and the Civil Society Organisations, can state actors be held accountable in the interest of the governed.
Speaking also, Project Director, ROLAC, Mr Peter Omenka, commended the media and the CSOs in the state for their efforts in promoting good governance and accountability, promising to partner with the duo for greater results.
He re-stated the commitment of ROLAC to the promotion of accountability and good governance.
Meanwhile, participants at the event brainstormed on ways to overcome the challenges militating against the efforts to promote accountability and good governance.
Some of the identified challenges include job insecurity in the media industry, lack of equipment and operational tools, need for constant re-training of media workers, and the unwillingness of news sources to release information.
Adding his voice, Project leader of CHARS Africa, Mr Peter Chuka Okoye, said anti-corruption war could not be won without active participation of the media, hence the media roundtable.
He urged media practitioners in the state to be resolute in the fight against anti-corruption for the good of society.
