A non-governmental organisation operating under the auspices of Green Concern for Development (GREENCODE) has charged Nigerians not to hesitate to raise alarm once it is discovered that someone in public office has diverted public funds into his or her private pocket.
The group stated that it was only when the people began to interrogate managers of the nation’s resources that they will know that public wealth isn’t meant for their personal use, but for development projects.
The group, which works in partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, urged Nigerians to desist from their lukewarm attitude on issues of public interest, but to participate in governance and not to keep mute when things are not done right.
National Coordinator of GREENCODE, Mr. Edem Edem, gave the charge while answering questions from journalists at the end of a two-day training workshop in Calabar, Cross River State.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Capacity Building of CSOs on Social Accountability, Government Policies, Public Finance and Advocacy’, Edem averred that in a democratic setting, social accountability is key to good governance, calling for interrogation of leaders for accountability and good governance.
“Transparency and feedback are key to the success of democratic governance.
“Government exists for the people, and so, people must be at the centre of what the government is doing. For development to be effective, it requires citizens’ participation in governance
“This must involve transparency and feedback. When there is no feedback, there will be resistance, and this could trigger mobilisation.
“Effective social accountability contributes to a better public service provision by building a stronger sense of citizenship. Social accountability is, therefore, an approach towards building people-centred governance,” Edem maintained.
