CSO commends A’Ibom Govt on transparency, budget performance
By Theresa Donatus
The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), has commended State Governor, Dr Umo Eno administration in Akwa Ibom State for its transparency and accountability in governance.
This commendation was delivered by CHRAN Secretary, Comrade (Barr.) Christopher Ekpo, during a press briefing on the 2024 “Arise Budget for Growth and Expansion” held yesterday at the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat in Uyo, the state capital.
CHRAN applauded the State government’s commitment to regular engagement with the press and civil society, noting that this openness has significantly contributed to increasing public trust in the administration.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Mark Umoh, reported a record-breaking 79.1% budget performance for 2024, marking the highest in the history of Akwa Ibom State.
Umoh further revealed that the state had efficiently allocated revenue towards capital expenditure, resulting in a boost to both the economy and social security in the state. This, he said, has led to the successful completion of numerous capital projects.
The briefing also saw contributions from key state officials, including the Accountant-General of Akwa Ibom, Pastor Uwem Andrew Essien, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development, Barr. Christopher Udoh, among others. They all expressed their commitment to ensuring that the ongoing administration remains accountable to the people.
The State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Amos Etuk, who attended the briefing alongside members of the press, expressed strong support for the government’s transparency initiatives.
Etuk pledged the press’s cooperation in helping to ensure that the positive impacts of the administration’s policies are felt by all citizens of the state.
With a focus on good governance, transparency, and development, the 2024 budget has been widely lauded as a step in the right direction for Akwa Ibom’s growth and expansion.