By Tochukwu Bliss, Abuja
The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has urged various civil society groups and other organizations to exploit the abundant Data provided by the Fiscal Sustainable Plan (FSP) and the States Fiscal Transparency and Sustainability Program (SFTAS) to further enhance Advocacy for Accountability and Prudence.
The Executive Chairman of the Commission, Victor Muruako made the appeal in Owerri, Imo State on Tuesday, during the opening of a three-day South-East zonal retreat on Fiscal Responsibility of sub-nations and civil society organizations (CSOs).
A statement by FRC’s Head, Strategic Communication Directorate, Bede Anyanwu, quoted Mr. Muruako as saying that the CSO’s effectiveness in utilizing available Data was critical in making the governments perform as expected.
“It is essential for CSOs to play a more active role in advocating transparency, accountability, and prudent management,” the Chairman said.
He reminded Nigerians that the Fiscal Responsibility Act empowered them with the legal capacity to enforce the provisions of the Act through the courts.
He, however, cautioned the citizens to exercise the power responsibly and based on evidence rather than anecdotes.
While enjoining the Academia to process the Fiscal data freely for public use, the Chairman suggested for postgraduate research projects of Social Science students and other Faculties in the higher education institutions in the Southeast to intentionally focus on the linkages between transparency, accountability, prudence, and economic development.
Mr. Muruako explained that the Commission had mapped out various strategies to ensure that the States of the Federation improved their adoption of good practice Fiscal behaviors that were consistent with those at the federal level.
According to him, such strategies had led to the establishment of Fiscal responsibility legislation in Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo States to mirror that of the Federal Government, while all the five states of the Southeast now have their year 2023 Annual Financial statements published Online.
He commended the Imo State government for graciously hosting the Southeast sensitization program, themed: “Fostering Fiscal Accountability: Sub Nationals and Civil Society Collaboration.”
It is essential for CSOs to play a more active role in advocating transparency, accountability, and prudent management.
Accountability and sustainability
Declaring the Retreat open, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, stressed the need for accountability and sustainability in the running of good governance, especially under a democratic dispensation.
The Governor, who was represented by the Imo State Commissioner of Finance, Chuck Chukwuemeka, was said to have assured that his government would soon establish a Fiscal Responsibility Agency to ensure that the appropriate fiscal laws are fully implemented for the benefit of the masses.
The Governor hailed the performance of the FRC towards enlightening all strata of the Nigerian society, on their roles to enhance sustainable economic development.
In a lead paper presentation, the Federal Commissioner in charge of the National Population Commission in Imo, Uba Nnabue, advised Nigerians not to shy away from asking questions on the spending of public funds.
Prof. Nnabue said that such interest shown by the citizens would further enhance transparency and probity in governance.
Another Speaker, Charles Abana, urged the citizens to uphold their rights and ensure that they obtain appropriate Information on the Fiscal activities of the government through the appropriate laws, including the Freedom of Information Act (FOI).
Participants at the event were drawn from NGOs, CSOs, the Media, and financial agencies, among others.
