Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has inaugurated the Abia Open Government Partnership (OGP) Steering Committee and Technical Groups as well as the launch the Abia OGP Action Plan in Umuahia with a task for members to devote time and knowledge to the realisation of the OGP Action Plan before the end of 2020.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ikpeazu said that the state government was desirous of developing a healthy synergy with the people of Abia to foster active citizen participation in transforming the state.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir. Ude Oko-Chukwu, the Governor restated the State Government’s commitment towards realising inclusive growth through the application of open government partnership (OGP).
He insisted that the key principles of OGP were transparency, accountability and responsiveness in governance.
In an address, the National Coordinator of OGP, Mr. Benjamin Okoro, described OGP as a concept that was centered on co-creation of progressive policies as well as programs by government and the citizens.
The Coordinator, represented by Mrs. Chidinma Ikechukwu, noted that recent events had made it necessary for government and the citizens to work closely in finding solutions to the challenges facing the nation.
On his part, the partnership facilitator of Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL), a civil society organisation, Mr. Chidi Sundayson, while enumerating the benefits of partnership was enormous disclosed that OGP was not designed to be a tussle between the government and the people but a collaboration which would encourage appropriate use of the state’s resources.
Speaking also, the Abia Desk Officer on OGP, Mr Amaechi Chukwu, said that the action plan was centered on fiscal transparency, access to information, citizens engagement and implementation as well as service delivery assuring that the committee was poised to work meticulously in the implementation of the OGP action plan in Abia.
Earlier, the Co-Chair of Abia OGP steering committee for state actors, Dr Chukwuma Agu said that Abia government was willing to partner and engage the citizenry in issues of governance as well as give consideration to positive contributions and constructive criticisms for the betterment of Abia.
Another Co-Chair of Abia OGP steering committee for non-state actors, Mr Nelson Nwafor, while thanking the state government for providing an avenue for OGP to be initiated in Abia State urged the state government to create more windows for adequate implementation of OGP in the state.
The members of the committee are: Nnenna Chikezie, Lilian Ezenwa, Amaechi Chukwu, Richard Okoro, Amaka Biachi, Idika Orji, Aham Uko, Uchenna Obigwe, George Ngorukwe.
Others include: John-Pedro Irokansi, Bright Eluwa, Ogbonna Nwobia, Henry Nduka, Kelechi Imoriah, Stanley Onyebuchi, John Emejuo and Onyii Wamah.
