Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)/Media Accountability and Anticorruption Initiative (CMAAI), a coalition of promoters of fiscal responsibility and accountability, has advocated for increased citizens participation in budgeting, public hearing and other policy making processes in Anambra State.
According to CMAAI, increased citizens participation in governance lead to increase trust and ownership of the budget process, improve public accountability and enhance willingness to pay taxes, leading to increase revenue and effective service delivery.
The Team Lead, CMAAI, Ugochi Freeman, who stated this when the group paid a courtesy call to the Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Public Account, said they were partnering with government institutions, like the Public Accounts Committee to strengthen fiscal frameworks, enhance public trust and foster economic growth.
"Our mission is to ensure that public resources are managed efficiently, effectively, and transparently to the benefit of all citizens. We want to commend your effort in the area of oversight functions aimed at ensuring value for money in public finance management.
"It will interest you to know that by so doing you have helped Anambra State to achieve one of the main objective in our OGP year II action plan under the the Fiscal Transparency thematic working group. We are also advocating for the review and passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Law.
"To advocate for the establishment of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission immediately the law is passed, advocate that penalties are provided for the offences to make the law enforceable, advocate for the establishment of Anambra state Anti-Corruption Commission which would help to fight corruption in public noffices. This bill has been before the house since the beginning of this year.
"To advocate for more citizens' participation during public hearing of the Auditor General's report and other public hearing of the finance and appropriation committee, and to advocate for the domestication of the Freedom of Information Act. By supporting this law, you will demonstrate your commitment to prudent financial management, transparency and good governance," she noted.
Responding, the Chairman, Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Public Account, Hon. Noble Igwe, assured that the hallowed chamber was not relenting in making relevant laws to promote accountability, transparency and good governance.
Igwe, who declared the Assembly's partnership with the CMAAI, said he would meet with various committees chairmen to find out State of those bills and possibly expedition action towards their passage and implementation this year.
"We are in support of the State government plans to mitigate corruption in Anambra State. We know that once Anticorruption commission is established across the three senatorial zones as provided by the law, that it will empower the government to recover loots because they have the power to investigate and recommend actions towards combating corruption. These various laws will help Anambra populace to enjoy the value for money expended on projects because they will make us to know if the funds expended on projects were commensurate," he added.