Kogi State Government in North Central Nigeria has unveiled the Kogi Open Governance and Accountability System (KOGAS) and the Kogi Digital Album. KOGAS is a Digital System app specifically designed to strengthen interactions and relationships between the government and the citizens.
Governor of the State, Yahaya Bello, at the unveiling ceremony at Government House, Lokoja said with the new development, the citizens have more guaranteed access to their leaders.
Bello, who was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Governor, Edward Onoja, added that there is a standing directive for all queries to be attended to in less than 24hours
“To the good people of Kogi State, we are here to remove the last filters and ensure that what you see is what you get. Of course, those who have been following events in the media know that one hallmark of my New Direction Administration is the transparent conduct of government businesses.
“We have been appraised and ranked and rated by several national and international organisations as one of the most transparent, if not the most transparent State Governments in the Federation. We are back-to-back leaders in meeting the indices of transparent governance set and evaluated by the World Bank’s State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Programme. We are the only State which has ever scored 100% in the annual evaluation process. Therefore, the Kogi Open Governance and Accountability System (KOGAS) is another layer of my administration’s commitment to open governance and accountability.
“A responsible Government must be transparent to the citizens. It is only possible when functionaries at all levels are tasked with a heightened responsiveness to citizens in the conduct of all official business. All of us in this administration must be open to endless scrutiny by those we serve. We must require it as a key performance indicator in our service compact.
“Opacity and cult-like secrecy are how skeletons get into cupboards in the governance process. I have expressly warned my cabinet members and all other employees of the Kogi State Government to avoid it like the plague.
“When we migrated to the Treasury Single Account (TSA), some heads of MDAs failed to implement with the enthusiasm and transparency implicit in my directives, and they were shown the way out of the system. Today, every appearance of non-transparency is haram and anathema in this government. You are a public servant, not the high priestess of a secret society or the capo of a cult. Shadowiness in official business is liable to get you sacked, prosecuted or both.
“What we intend to achieve with KOGAS is to enlist the public more intimately in the policing of government and her accoutrements. We are giving our people the tools to play the active role of watchdogs of our officials, ministries, departments and agencies.
“The Kogi State Ministry of Information and Communications will deploy KOGAS for round-the-clock live interactions and feedback to and from the public per the standard operating procedures. The ministry will put every part of the government on the platform. It may help those who want to resist this Change know that KOGAS will also be monitored in real-time from my Office through my Chief of Staff via bi-weekly compliance analysis and status reports put together by our Research and Development Unit known as the New Direction Blueprint Team.
“Kogi Open Governance and Accountability System is a digital synergy between the leaders and the led for good governance. We will station a rotation of cabinet members and other high-ranking government officials on the KOGAS platform for real-time interaction between the government and the citizens. They will take suggestions and complaints and ensure that appropriate action is taken. Where my attention is needed or any specific official, they will escalate immediately. Typically, by my directive, all matters must be answered within 24 hours or started where the request calls for a more complex approach.
“Beyond the accountability aspects of KOGAS, it will also create a platform for citizens’ engagement and mobilisation, both for governance excellence and community service. Options will be available from time to time for citizens to form themselves into volunteer groups to render public services to themselves and, in this way, bridge noticeable gaps in community engagement. It is one of our initiatives at ensuring that we build a population of responsible citizens who are patriotic about Nigeria and passionate about the development of our dear State.
“Apart from the Kogi Open Governance and Accountability System, the Kogi State Digital Album and the Confluence Business Directory are also being unveiled today. The Digital Album will be a repository of images with pictures of government activities, programs and projects to tell our stories. The Directory will be yellow pages for finding businesses operating in Kogi State and enhancing their reach.”
He commended the Ministry of Information and Communications for delivering the digital tools that will enhance governance in the State.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, while giving his speech during the unveiling, said Governor Bello’s interest made the system available to make the people active participants in governance. He added; the Governor believes that power belongs to the people.
Fanwo further stressed that with KOGAS, citizens could ask questions from various government Ministries, Agencies, and Departments on all issues regarding the State’s growth.
The Consultant, Mr Wole Aguda, while summarizing the KOGAS platform and the Kogi Digital Album, said it gives room to participatory governance by all and allows having a reel of history for government officials and plans for the future. It also allows people to access the documentation of government history, documentation of customs and traditions of different tribes and ethnic groups within the State.
The Consultant who expressed how proud he is to be a Kogite added that the Government of Alhaji Yahaya Bello has shown that it is indeed the government of the people.
In his lecture, Dr Ayodele John Alonge described the platform as a kind of Wikipedia where you can access a good deal of information. He added that one doesn’t have to be in Kogi State before knowing what is happening there.
Also, a United Kingdom (UK) Defense Ministry NSV-Certified Senior Consultant with over 30 years experience in the International IT Project Management Industry, while giving his remarks, appreciated Governor Yahaya Bello, describing him as a role model.
Prince Omole said with the KOGAS platform; the people have access to what the government is doing. He added that KOGAS is a tool that helps Public Administration be more accessible. It will help ensure they do effectively internal administration and improve service delivery in planning and decision-making.
He said since the government and its officials can’t be everywhere, the KOGAS tool will allow the people to communicate with them directly.
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Olumide Akpata, quoted the Freedom of Information Act while speaking on “The Right to Ask”.
He added that the government wants its citizens to ask questions to ensure their well-being, stressing that the KOGAS platform will add to his administration’s efforts on Transparency and Accountability.
Editor/ Suzan O.
