Edo Head of Service Pledges Collaboration with Civil Society and Media Groups in Anti-corruption Fight

Anthony Okungbowa Esq, the Head of Service in Edo State, has affirmed the state government’s dedication to collaborating with agencies and organizations focused on promoting transparency and integrity in governance practices.

During a recent visit by the Civil Society/Media Coalition on Anti-corruption, Okungbowa expressed a firm commitment to supporting the adoption and implementation of the Edo State Integrity and Accountability Strategy (EDSIAS) policy document. The plan is set to be presented at the upcoming State Executive Council meeting by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the State.

Okungbowa highlighted the significance of embracing the EDSIAS initiative, underscoring its potential to bolster existing e-governance structures and enhance transparency, integrity, and accountability within the government system. He commended the advocates for their relentless efforts in raising awareness on the importance of openness and accountability among citizens and government officials.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by dwindling oil revenues and the consequent shift towards taxation, Okungbowa emphasized the critical role of accountability in ensuring responsible resource management. He lauded the advocacy group for championing the cause of probity in governance, emphasizing the collaborative efforts required to achieve sustainable progress.

“The country’s ability to meet its OPEC quota has been severely hampered by losses sustained in the crude production chain, and our crude is no longer in high demand for whatever reason. It is getting harder for the NNPC to share something with the national and local governments.

“Looking inward has therefore become imperative, which means taxing the populace. And when you do that, the public will ask questions and demand to know how their taxes are being spent, which is something you are required to explain. This is in contrast to their prior attitude toward the way the government’s resources were used.

“We sincerely appreciate your support in advancing the goal of achieving accountability and probity in governance. The government can’t do it all alone. To accomplish it, organizations like yours must lend their support,” the Head of Service stated.

In order to accomplish its goal of having an inclusive and accountable government that serves the people, he gave assurances that the government would be willing to collaborate with organizations that share similar objectives.

The HOS recommended that a large portion of the campaigns and advocacy be directed toward the Ministry of Justice since the Ministry is in charge of and houses the EDSIAS document; this will help the Ministry expedite the process of presenting it before the State Exco meeting.

He emphasized that since it aligns with the administration of Obaseki, members of the Exco would have no trouble advocating for its adoption and subsequent implementation.

He promised that setting up EDSIAS Implementation Units in MDA and funding budget lines would not be a problem once the Exco gives its approval, adding that it would just require some structural changes to make room for them.

In order to facilitate the initial funding of the EDSIAS being included in the 2023 budget, he recommended that efforts be increased to complete the adoption processes by November 2022.

Dr. Bright Oniovokukur’s CSO/media team had previously made some requests to the HOS in an effort to gain his support for the adoption of the EDSIAS policy document, the creation of EDSIAS Implementation Units in each of the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and the provision of funds and budgetary lines in the MDAs to support EDSIAS initiatives once they were established.