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Delta State Among Top 10 States in Governance Transparency and Accountability, G.O.M.E.P Report Reveals
By Favour Bibaikefie
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In a significant development highlighting the progress of state governance in Nigeria, Delta State has been ranked among the top 10 states in governance transparency and accountability according to the 2024 Governance Accountability and Transparency Index (G.A.T.I). The report was unveiled by the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers (G.O.M.E.P), a consortium of over 75 seasoned media professionals dedicated to promoting transparency and good governance across Nigeria.
The G.A.T.I report, which is set to become an annual benchmark, evaluates the performance of all 36 state governments in Nigeria based on seven critical indices. This year, Delta joined Lagos, Kwara, Ekiti, Anambra, Enugu, Benue, Akwa Ibom, Borno, and Osun in Category A, achieving scores between 85% and 100%, indicating “Exceptional Performance.”
Key Areas of Assessment
The G.A.T.I framework focuses on seven measurable indicators:
1. Public Access to Information: This includes the enforcement of Freedom of Information laws, accessibility of government websites, and availability of open data portals.
2. Budget Transparency: Assessing access to budget documents, citizen engagement in budget processes, and clarity of expenditures.
3. Audit and Oversight: Reviewing the independence of audit institutions and effectiveness of parliamentary oversight.
4. Anti-Corruption Efforts: Evaluating whistleblower protection laws and anti-corruption measures.
5. Government Responsiveness: Measuring how quickly and effectively governments respond to citizen inquiries.
6. Procurement Transparency: Examining the openness of tender processes and availability of contract information.
7. Media Freedom: Gauging press freedom and the safety of journalists.
A Rigorous Assessment
At a media briefing in Abuja on November 26, 2024, G.O.M.E.P’s National President, Dr. Dozie Nwankodu, emphasized the comprehensive methodology employed in the project. The evaluation process incorporated citizen surveys, analysis of government documents, expert consultations, and statistical data analysis. Scores were determined by combining performance across all indices and calculating an average.
Dr. Nwankodu noted that states scoring between 85% and 100% were classified under Category A, denoting exceptional performance. Category B reflected strong performance (65%-84%), while lower scores were assigned to categories indicating average to poor governance.
Comrade Akpovoke Treasure Otiti, the Chairman of this year’s Appraisal Committee, highlighted the extensive data collection effort, which involved gathering 350 data points per state across the seven indices, amounting to 12,600 data points nationwide. Despite security challenges in some regions, G.O.M.E.P’s field agents ensured the collection of reliable and credible data.
Encouraging Accountability
G.O.M.E.P Deputy President, Mr. Jare Ismahil Tiamiyu, stressed the significance of transparency and accountability in governance. He remarked that the G.A.T.I initiative serves as a vital tool for assessing the effectiveness of state governments and promoting healthy competition among states to improve governance.
The group announced plans to make the index an annual exercise, extending its scrutiny to federal ministries and the National Assembly in future editions. Certificates of Merit will also be awarded to the top-performing states as a gesture of encouragement.
As the nation anticipates subsequent editions of the G.A.T.I report, it remains clear that initiatives like this are essential for fostering responsible governance and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/12BT6CT4jeZ/?
By Tama Peretengboro
The Chairman, Waterways and Land Security Committee, Chief Boro Opudu, and the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro will lead dignitaries at the 57th Boro Day Celebration organised by the Ijaw Youth Council, Western Zone.
While Chief Boro will oversee the memorial event as Chairman of the Day, Dr. Otuaro will stand in as Special Guest of Honour.
The event themed ‘The Genesis of the 12 Days Revolution Struggle: Our Pains and Gains in Retrospect’ is slated for Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Tunde Smooth Playground, along NPA Expressway, Warri, Delta State.
Activities include a vibrant procession showcasing the spirit and resilience of the Ijaw people together with an insightful symposium reflecting on the legacy of the 12 Days Revolution.
The IYC Western Zone, in collaboration with the 2025 Boro Day Committee, uses this medium to invite all clans, youth bodies, critical stakeholders, and concerned parties to join us as we celebrate and reflect on the impact of Boro.
Tare Magbei
Information Officer, IYC Western Zone
Secretary, 57th Boro Day Committee, IYC Western Zone
By Admin
Burutu, Delta State – The Executive Chairman of Burutu local Government Area, High chief Dr. Julius Takeme(JP),PhD, has extended an open invitation to all Nigerians to unite with the people of Burutu in paying their final respects to the revered Ijaw patriarch, Pa. Sen. Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
Dr.Takeme assured the public of Burutu’s readiness to receive all guests with warmth and dignity throughout the duration of the funeral events. He emphasized that the Burutu people are fully prepared to host dignitaries, mourners, and will-wishers who will gather to honour the life and legacy of the Elder Statesman.
These the Burutu LGA Chairman said while taking an on-tge-spot assessment of the arena in Kiagbodo on May 10, 2025.
Iduwinivoice had earlier reported that the week-long funeral ceremonies for the respected southern and middle belt leader commenced since May 7, 2025 in Abuja, will climax on May 12 before final interment on May 13. And come to a close on May 17 with a Thanksgiving service.
As part of the official plans, Pa. Clark’s body is scheduled to be flown from Abuja to Yenagoa on Monday, may 12, where it will make a ceremonial stop at the iconic Izon ware (Ijaw House). From there, the remains will be transported to his residence in Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri, for further tributes.
The final journey will take the body to Kiagbodo town in Burutu local Government Area for traditional and social wake-keeping ceremonies, culminating in his interment on Tuesday, May 13 2025.
Pa. Edwin Clark, know for his towering influence in Nigerian politics and advocacy for the rights of the Niger Delta and other oppressed people, is being remembered nationwide for his enduring legacy of leadership and service.
By Prof. Binebai
In the pantheon of Nigerian legends, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark stands as a colossus, his presence casting a long shadow over the landscape of Nigeria’ s history. Like a mighty baobab tree, his roots dug deep into the earth, nourished by the rich soil of his convictions. His voice, a thunderclap that shook the foundations of power, echoed through the corridors of time, a clarion call to justice and righteousness.
As a titan of Nigerian politics, Chief Clark’s stature was imposing, his gaze piercing, and his words imbued with the weight of wisdom. He strode through the treacherous waters of Nigerian politics with the certainty of a man who knew his purpose, leaving in his wake a trail of transformative impact. His was a life that defied the limits of mortality, his legacy a burning ember that would ignite generations to come.
Like the great River Niger, which flows through the heart of our nation, Chief Clark’s life was a strong evidence of the power of perseverance and determination. He navigated the twists and turns of Nigeria’s tumultuous history with the skill of a seasoned navigator, always keeping his eyes fixed on the horizon of a better tomorrow. His was a journey marked by courage,conviction, and an unbending commitment to the principles of justice and equality.
In Nigerian politics, Chief Kiagbodo Clark was a mythical figure, a demigod whose exploits would be told and retold for generations to come. His name became synonymous with wisdom, integrity, and statesmanship, a ray of hope in a world beset by darkness and despair. His legacy would inspire countless others to follow in his footsteps, striving to make a difference in the lives of their fellow human beings.
As the sun sets on his mortal coil, Chief Clark’s spirit remains, a shining presence that continues to guide and inspire. His voice, though silenced, still echoes through the chambers of our collective memory, reminding us of the power of conviction and the importance of standing up for what is right. His life was a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for greatness, a flame that would burn brightly for generations to come.
In the annals of Nigerian history, Chief Clark’s name would be engraved in letters of gold, a signature of his enduring legacy. His was a life that would be celebrated, his achievements revered, and his memory cherished. As a nation, we would continue to draw inspiration from his remarkable journey, striving to emulate his example of leadership, wisdom, and courage.
As we bid farewell to this titan of Nigerian politics and the foremost Ijaw nationalist, we take comfort in the knowledge that his legacy would live on, a guiding light that would illuminate the path to a brighter future. Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark may have left us, but his spirit remains a powerful reminder of the impact one man can have on the lives of many. His was a life that would be remembered for generations to come, a shining example of what it means to live a life of purpose, conviction, and service to humanity.