The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development and The Electoral Hub have called for an open government, particularly in the National Assembly (NASS) as the 10th NASS is inaugurated June 13, 2023.
This is in commemoration of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Week 2023.
The Director, IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, Princess Hamman-Obels noted that the NASS, as an important arm of government representing the citizens, should not threaten openness and public accountability.
She said secrecy in legislative practices negates democratic ideas of openness, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and accessibility which are the main characteritics of democratic governance.
“These inform our ‘streetview of the 10TH NASS project with activities focusing on knowledge production and dissemination, community engagements and sensitization across urban poor neigbourhoods and rural areas of the FCT.
According to her, recent global events have further shown the need to open up governments and allow for increased public engagement and access to information relating to government activities and processes.
“This is the rationale for the forming of the OGP and its adoption in Nigeria. OGP is a multilateral initiative aimed at securing concrete commitments from national and sub-national governments to “promote open government, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance”.
“IRIAD -The Electoral Hub reiterates the demand for an Open National Assembly in line with our commitment to promoting public accountability, and strengthening electoral governance in Nigeria.
“The incoming 10TH NASS can lead by example by adopting open government principles within it own processes and practices, including establishing measures to improve its transparency and accountability to citizens.
“Nigerians deserve a legislative process and practice that is transparent, inclusive, and participatory. Citizens should be able to engage all arms the government, demand for accountability, inclusion, transparency, and access information as needed,” She said .
