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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 Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — IduwiniVoice Media Limited has lauded the leadership of Prof. Benjamin Okaba, outgoing President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), for overseeing what it described as a historic and credible electoral process, with particular emphasis on the successful deployment of a fully electronic voting system.
In a congratulatory message signed by its Chief Executive Officer/Editor-in-Chief, Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, the media organisation commended Okaba for demonstrating “leadership, intellectual capacity and sagacity” throughout his tenure, noting that his insistence on conducting elections ahead of the constitutional deadline preserved the integrity of the council.
The statement stressed that the decision to avoid any form of interim or ad-hoc leadership structure “saved the Ijaw nation from a familiar pitfall that could have weakened its governance framework,” describing the move as a bold commitment to democratic principles.
Of particular significance, the organisation highlighted the introduction and execution of a fully electronic voting system, which it said marked a turning point in the conduct of internal elections within the Ijaw nation.
According to IduwiniVoice, Okaba’s “provision of necessary resources for the deployment of a totally electronic voting system is astutely exemplary,” adding that the process ensured transparency, efficiency, and credibility throughout the April 13, 2026 elections.
The media outfit further noted that the seamless conduct of the poll, characterized by real-time voting and result transmission, has set a new benchmark not only for socio-cultural organisations but also for national electoral bodies. It described the innovation as “a credible lesson” for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging that such technology be scaled up and replicated in Nigeria’s general elections to enhance public trust and electoral integrity.
IduwiniVoice also used the opportunity to commend the peaceful transition process initiated by the outgoing leadership, noting that Okaba’s readiness to hand over power to a successor reflects a rare commitment to democratic values in a region where leadership continuity is often contested.
The statement added that, “in a world where privileged individuals often cling to power, Prof. Okaba has once again demonstrated that greed, selfishness, and sit-tight tendencies are not reflective of the true character of an Ijaw son.”
As the INC prepares for a new phase under incoming leadership, the organisation wished the outgoing president a smooth transition and success in his future endeavours, applauding his “true patriotism and unwavering service to the Ijaw nation.”
The April 13 election, widely regarded as one of the most technologically driven in the history of the INC, has continued to attract commendation from stakeholders across the Niger Delta, with observers citing the electronic voting model as a pathway for broader electoral reforms in Nigeria.
By Charity Ebi
The emergence of Chief (Amb.) Sheriff Mulade as National Treasurer of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has been described as a strong endorsement of accountability and reform within the apex Ijaw socio-cultural body.
Reacting to the outcome of the April 13, 2026 national elections, the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) said Mulade’s victory reflects the trust reposed in him by delegates across the region, citing his long-standing advocacy for peace, environmental justice, and good governance.
In a statement issued by its President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the forum noted that the election outcome demonstrates a collective desire among Ijaw stakeholders for transparent financial leadership at a time when the INC is expected to reposition itself for greater impact.
Mulade, who is also the National President of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), clinched the treasurer position after a keen contest that attracted widespread interest within the Niger Delta. His emergence, according to observers, signals a shift toward experienced leadership with a proven record in community engagement and advocacy.
The IPF emphasised that the new treasurer’s reputation for prudence and integrity places him in a strategic position to strengthen financial discipline within the congress. The forum added that effective management of resources would be critical in enabling the INC to meet its objectives and respond to the evolving needs of the Ijaw people.
It further urged stakeholders, including leaders, youths, and affiliated groups, to rally support for the newly elected executives to ensure stability and continuity in the organisation’s programmes.
Analysts view Mulade’s election as a defining moment for the INC, expressing optimism that his leadership in the treasury will contribute to improved transparency and institutional growth.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote unity, development, and responsible leadership across Ijawland, while wishing the new treasurer a productive tenure.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has congratulated High Chief Barr. MacDonald Ebi Igbadiwei on his emergence as President-elect of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) following the April 13, 2026 election held at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
In a statement released on Monday, the National President of IPF, Ozobo Austin, described Igbadiwei’s victory as a significant turning point for the Ijaw nation, noting that the outcome reflects the collective will and aspirations of the people.
According to the Forum, the mandate given to the President-elect goes beyond electoral success, representing a deeper trust reposed in a leader believed to possess a clear understanding of the region’s historical struggles and the pathway to its progress.
“Igbadiwei rises from the very essence of our land. His emergence signals that the right leadership has taken charge at a critical time,” the statement noted, adding that the moment resonates strongly across Ijaw communities.
The IPF highlighted Igbadiwei’s experience, communication skills, and intellectual depth as qualities that position him to steer the affairs of the Ijaw nation effectively. It expressed confidence that his leadership would foster unity, strengthen communal identity, and advance the socio-political and economic interests of the people.
The Forum further urged the President-elect to remain guided by the collective aspirations of the Ijaw people, emphasizing the need for inclusive leadership anchored on cultural values and shared responsibility.
Meanwhile, the IPF called on all aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders in the recently concluded election to set aside their differences in the interest of unity and progress. It described the contest as an internal democratic exercise that should not create lasting divisions among Ijaw people.
The Forum stressed that pressing challenges facing the region—including environmental concerns, development deficits, and political representation—require a united and coordinated approach.
It appealed to former contenders to contribute their ideas, experience, and support to the new leadership, noting that collective effort remains essential in advancing the Ijaw cause.
According to the IPF, history will favour those who prioritise the common good over personal ambition, urging all sons and daughters of Ijaw land to rally behind the new INC leadership in building a stronger and more prosperous future for the nation.