CSOs urge Bauchi govt. to join open government partnership
A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), under Open Alliance Team in Bauchi state, has urged the state government to join the Open Government Partnership (OGP), to improve inclusivity in decision making.
Newsmen reports that the OGP provides a platform to engage in peer learning, experience sharing and information exchange with counterparts within and around the world to enable cross-fertilization of ideas and policy.
The Open Alliance being the coalition of CSOs working to advance the principles of OGP in Nigeria has always been on the ground in Bauchi State to provide support and guidance to the State whenever it chose to join the OGP.
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This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Sukumun Ezekiel and Mr Seun Justin, on behalf of 27 CSOs in the state, and made available to Newsmen on Tuesday, in Bauchi.
The statement reads in part: “We, the Open Alliance Team in Bauchi call on His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Sen. Bala Mohammed to champion the course of Open Government for the good people of Bauchi State.
“To join the OGP as the President did for Nigeria in 2016. This would be a powerful legacy that cannot be erased in the heart of the good people of Bauchi State.
“As a unique leader seeking election to the highest office in Nigeria, signing the OGP would strongly add value and credentials to your already amazing ones.
According to the statement, Bauchi state stood to benefit from a number of items if it joined the OGP which includes an improved ranking of the state in Global Transparency and Accountability.
“Reduction in cases of financial misappropriation and preferred destination for donor funds and foreign direct investments.
“Improved trust between the state and citizens and increased domestic revenue mobilization arising from the transparent application of revenue.
“It would also improve service delivery, technical and institutional support that would amplify the reputation of openness 10 Global visibility and positive publicity,” the statement added.
The coalition noted that 26 states had signed the OGP in Nigeria out of the 36 states and Bauchi was one of the states yet to sign the OGP.
“As a community of CSOs working to promote an open and transparent society, we believe that there was nothing that should hinder Bauchi State Government from keying into the OGP.
“Considering the capacity of the Government and the already existing fiscal transparency initiatives implemented by the state,” it said.
The coalition, therefore, appealed to Gov. Mohammed to sign into the OGP today and enhance transparency and accountability in government.
