Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has unveiled plans to create a Fiscal Responsibility Agency in the state.
The announcement was made during the opening of a three-day South-East zonal retreat on Fiscal Responsibility for sub-nations and Civil Society Organizations in Owerri. The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Chuck Chukwuemeka, highlighted the need for accountability and sustainability in governance, particularly within a democratic framework. The new agency is intended to enforce fiscal laws for the benefit of the public.
Chief Victor Muruako, Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, explained that the retreat was designed to encourage Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to promote transparency, accountability, and prudent financial management. He stressed the role of academia in processing fiscal data for public benefit and recommended that postgraduate research projects explore the connections between transparency, accountability, prudence, and economic development.
Muruako praised the Imo State government for hosting the retreat and noted that the commission had developed strategies to enhance fiscal behaviors in states, leading to the introduction of fiscal responsibility legislation in Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo States. He also acknowledged the positive step of publishing annual financial statements online by all five South-East states.
The chairman advised citizens to use their power responsibly, based on evidence rather than hearsay.