Open Budget System: Delta govt is committed to transparency and accountability in governance -Anighoro

By Akpos Oghenetega,

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Delta State on Civic Engagement and Civil Society, Activist Rex Anighoro has said that Delta State Government is totally committed to civic engagement and citizens participation in advancing good governance and the strengthening of democracy in the State.

Activist Rex Anighoro stated this recently while delivering a goodwill speech at the Unity Hall Government House, Asaba, when the Delta State Government through the Dr Barry Pere Gbe led Ministry of Economic Planning organised an Open Budget System Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement event.

The Activist stated further to the media at the event that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa whom he called the champion of transparency and accountability in governance is uncompromising in his pursuit to advancing citizens participation and Inclusiveness through the Open Budget System. This is in a bid to improve on the December 2019 report which placed Delta State amongst the top three as regards the year 2018 budget transparency.

According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the survey was conducted by Civil Resource Development and Documentation Centre (CIRDDOC), Enugu, in partnership with Connecting Gender for Development (COGEN) and supported by DFID.

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He made it known that His Excellency, the Governor, has ensured that the rights of citizens to know how communal wealth is being expended in the delivery of public infrastructure and services is protected and given utmost priority in the State.

Activist Rex Anighoro who stated that the office of the citizen is supreme, called on the Citizens and Civil Society to be alive to their responsibility by monitoring government projects and reporting of observations that require government intervention.

The event which is part of Government’s effort at interacting with citizens and have their opinions count in the process of budget making was well attended by critical stakeholders which included the Civil Society Groups, Professional Organizations, Community Leaders, Political Parties, Traditional Rulers and Government officials.

Government Officials in attendance included the Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, Delta State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Charles Aniagwu, Delta State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Ifeanyi Egwunyenga, Commissioner for Technical and Vocational Education Hon (Mrs.) Gbugbemi Ikolo, and that Science And Technology Hon. Matthew Tsekiri amongst others.