CSO calls for transparent, accountable Parliament

By Angela Atabo

The Initiative for Research ,Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) an NGO, as called for an open National Assembly characterised by a transparent, inclusive and participatory process for all ctfor all .has called for a transparent, accountable and more public participatory parliament.

The Director IRIAD, the Electoral Hub Princess Hamman-Obels made the call in a statement in to commemorate the 2023 Open Government Partnership (OGP)Week in Abuja .

Hamman-Obels said that the call for an open assembly was imperative for fair legislative process where citizens could make demands for openness, access information, and participate actively in government.

“We also call for an open electoral judicial process that is impartial, unbiased and fair as the electoral tribunals proceeds.

“IRIAD and The Electoral Hub commemorates the OGP Week 2023 with a strong call for an open government, as the 10th NASS is inaugurated June 13.

“We recognise that an Open NASS is an essential component of the OGP.

“We note that the NASS, as an important arm of government representing the citizens, should not threaten openness and public accountability.”

Hamman-Obels said that secrecy in legislative practices would negate democratic ideas of openness, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and accessibility which were the main characteristics of democratic governance .

” These inform our ‘street view of the 10TH NASS project with activities focusing on knowledge production and dissemination, community engagements and sensitization across urban poor neighbourhoods and rural areas of the FCT.

“Recent global events have further shown the need to open up governments and allow for increased public engagement and access to information relating to government activities and processes.

“This is the rationale for the forming of the OGP and its adoption in Nigeria. ”

According to Hamman-Obels, OGP is a multilateral initiative aimed at securing concrete commitments from national and sub-national governments.

This she said was to promote open government, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance.

She said that the incoming 10TH NASS could lead by example by adopting open government principles within its own processes and practices.

She the Assembly to establish measures to improve its transparency and accountability to citizens. Nigerians deserve a legislative process and practice that is transparent, inclusive, and participatory.

She said that citizens should be able to engage all arms the government, demand for accountability, inclusion, transparency, and access information as needed.

“As we commemorate the OGP Week 2023 and prepare to welcome the 10th Assembly ,IRIAD and The Electoral Hub call on all stakeholders to actively engage elected public officials .

“This is for an open legislature and governance that conforms to the nation’s democratic aspirations, and expectations, “she said

(NAN)