GRV media office harps on accountability in Lagos

Media Office of the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party in Lagos State, Gbedebo Vivour-Rhodes (GRV), has tasked the state’s government on what it described as accountability and transparency in public service.

The office also said the Freedom of Information Act (FOA) must be domesticated and honoured to promote good governance.

A statement by Mr. Dapo Ajani, director of Communications, Gbadebo GRV, said governments should practice fiscal transparency and corporate governance for several reasons.

The statement reads: “A Nigerian non-profit organisation, Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI) recently released its Sub-national Audit Efficacy Index 2022, with Lagos State, unsurprisingly, ranking poorly. PLSI’s work is domiciled within the public sector fiscal governance and financial transparency space, and its work is supported and validated by the internationally renowned MacArthur Foundation.

“In what may not be a surprising outcome, the Lagos State government was ranked 18th (along with Jigawa and Ondo states) out of 36 states surveyed. This position further translates to a poor 31% overall score.

“State governments should practice fiscal transparency and corporate governance for several reasons, including accountability, efficient use of resources, prevention of corruption, and the entrenchment of a high-trust atmosphere that can attract the investment of local and foreign players. It is basic knowledge that investments generally favour an environment that is predictable, stable, and trustworthy, which is important for businesses looking to invest in a particular state.

“Fiscal transparency is essential for ensuring accountability and promoting good governance. It enables citizens to monitor the activities of government officials and institutions, thereby preventing corruption and other malpractices. It also allows for proper management of public funds, which is critical for the development and growth of any society.

“The government must prioritize open governance and ensure that public funds are managed appropriately. It is time for the Lagos State government to domesticate and honor the Freedom of Information Act and account judiciously for the taxpayer’s money. As stakeholders of the commonwealth of Lagos, we demand a more transparent and accountable government for the benefit of all citizens.’’