Participate in governance, SERAP tells Nigerians

A Lagos-based rights group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on Wednesday urged Nigerians to ensure active participation in governance.

SERAP which stated this through its Program Officer (PO), Folashade Arigbabu, at a Workshop on Promoting Citizens' Action for Transparency and Accountability in the Management of Public Resources in Nigeria, also declared that any decision made by those in positions of authority will affect the citizens in every sphere of life.

Specifically speaking on the topic 'Active Citizenship: The Role of Duty Bearers in Holding Government to Account', Arigbabu said: “There is the need for Nigerians to hold to account those elected to represent them in various capacities, especially where they fail to make known to the citizenry what they are doing and that which they have in mind to do.

“Nigerians must ask questions concerning the status of projects being executed by those in government, and also monitor its implementation”.

Also delivering a lecture on 'The Effective Use of the FoI Act in Promoting Citizen Action for Improved Governance', a Legal Adviser with SERAP, Andrew Nwankwo revealed that the Freedom of Information Act can be used to demand explanations from those in leadership positions. 

Earlier in his welcome address, a Senior Program Officer with the human rights organization, Temidayo Omoju said the workshop is a significant step towards fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in Nigeria and commended each participant for taking part in the endeavor.

In his words: “The management of public resources is a critical aspect of governance, and it directly impacts the lives of citizens. When public resources are managed effectively and transparently, it leads to the provision of essential services, infrastructure development, and overall socio-economic progress. 

“Conversely, the mismanagement of public resources can have severe repercussions, hindering development, eroding public trust, and perpetuating corruption.

"This workshop serves as a platform to equip you with the necessary tools, skills, and knowledge to actively engage in promoting transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. 

“Throughout this training, we will explore various strategies, best practices, and case studies that can empower citizens to play an active role in holding public officials accountable and ensuring the responsible use of public funds.

“We will delve into topics such as citizen participation in budget processes, monitoring, and evaluation of public projects, leveraging technology for transparency, engaging with public institutions, and advocating for policy reforms. 

“The knowledge gained here will enable you to become advocates for change, driving the transformation of our society towards a more transparent and accountable governance system.

“I encourage all of you to actively participate, share your experiences, and engage in fruitful discussions throughout the workshop. Remember, your contributions are invaluable, and the collective effort we put forth here will have a profound impact on our nation”.

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