Transparency and accountability: Obaseki shy away from promise





Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki did promised to make public government activities and information.

Despite the pledge, he is yet to respond to the request by Edo Civil Society organization (EDOCSO).

The body requested "Certified true copy of lists of contracts awarded/executed and locations since 2015 till date and;

Certified true copy of audited account of Edo state government from 2016 till date."

EDOCSO, an umbrella body of civil society groups in the state made the request in a letter dated 17th May 2018 and signed by its Coordinator General, Leftist Omobude Agho and Secretary General, Leftist Godspower Okumbor in line with the Freedom of Information (FOI) act 2011.

Section 1 (1) of the FOI Act empowers any person or group to access or request any information, whether or not contained in any written form, which is in the custody of any public official, agency or institution.

Governor Obaseki while receiving executive members of Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations (CONGOs) at Government House promised his administration will operate an open government.

“We will not relent in making public, government activities and information for scrutiny, because we have nothing to hide. We will tell you what we have spent on our projects,” Obaseki pledged.

Despite confirming receipt of the letter which was addressed to the Governor, nothing had been heard of the request months after.

However, Spokesperson for the group, Leftist Osazee Edigin said the organization had initiated a court process to compel the State government to comply.

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