CSOs, Media Practitioners Propose Framework to Enhance Accountability and Governance in Abia

The media plays a crucial role in promoting good governance by fostering transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.

However, journalists in Abia State face significant challenges that hinder their ability to carry out this vital function effectively. Issues such as limited access to information, government interference, weak institutional support, and knowledge gaps continue to impede their work.

To address these pressing concerns, the African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa), with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA, organized a one-day media roundtable on February 14, 2025, at Chidi-Nwosu Freedom Hall in Aba, Abia State.

The roundtable brought together journalists from print, radio, and social media platforms to explore how legislative frameworks like the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), Public Procurement Act (PPA), and Freedom of Information Act (FoIA) can be leveraged to enhance media efforts in promoting transparency and accountability.

Participants highlighted several obstacles facing journalists in Abia State, including public officials’ reluctance to release information, attempts to suppress media freedom through censorship, and a lack of awareness among journalists about key legal instruments.

Additionally, secrecy in governance, weak institutional support, and public apathy were identified as major barriers to effective journalism. These challenges not only undermine press freedom but also weaken the demand for accountability from citizens.

To tackle these issues, the roundtable participants proposed several recommendations aimed at empowering journalists and strengthening their impact on governance. These include enhancing knowledge of legislative frameworks through training programs, safeguarding media independence, building public awareness about governance issues, and providing greater institutional support for journalists.

By fostering collaboration between media organizations, civil society groups, and other stakeholders, the event underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment for journalists to thrive.

Below is the full text of the communiqué issued at the end of the roundtable:

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE ONE-DAY MEDIA ROUNDTABLE ON SUPPORT TO CIVIL SOCIETY ADVOCACY TOWARDS STRENGTHENING KEY LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORKS FOR INCREASED ACCOUNTABILITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN ABIA STATE, HELD ON 14TH FEBRUARY 2025, AT CHIDI-NWOSU FREEDOM HALL, SUITE 1, ODIM PLAZA, PLOT 192 AZIKIWE ROAD, ABA, ABIA STATE.

PREAMBLE
The African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa), with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA, organized a one-day media roundtable on 14th February 2025, at Chidi-Nwosu Freedom Hall, Aba, Abia State.

The roundtable convened practitioners from the print, radio and social media outfits based in Aba and its environs to discuss how to use the Legislative Frameworks such as the Fiscal Responsibility Act, (FRA), Public Procurement Act (PPA) and Freedom of Information Act (FoIA), for enhancing the media in promoting accountability and good governance.

The discussions focused on the limitations faced by the journalists in the use of legislative frameworks for the purpose of transparency and accountability in Governance. It also proffered solutions to tackle the identified challenges.

OBSERVATIONS
Participants made the following observations:

1. Limited Access to Information: That the use of the framework is limited by the deliberate denial of access to information by lawmakers and public servants, which they said hinders accurate reportage and by extension, public knowledge of the tools.
2. Government Interference in Media Operations: Participants noted attempts to suppress media freedom through control over media unions and subtle censorship, thereby restricting journalists’ ability to report objectively.
3. Knowledge Gaps Among Media Practitioners: Some journalists lack adequate awareness and understanding of such legislative frameworks as the FOIA, PPA and FRA. This gap limits their ability to put the frameworks into effective use.
4. Secrecy in Governance: Participants decried the high level of secrecy in government as they do not disclose information even when requested for in accordance with the provisions of law.
5. Weak Institutional Support for Journalists: The absence of legal and financial backing for media practitioners exposes them to undue pressure, censorship, economic constraints and such other grievous harm. Thus, this limits their ability in carrying out the requisite investigative reporting.
6. Public Apathy Towards Governance: Participants observed that the general public exhibits a low level of interest in governance issues. They are divided along the lines of communal and political fraternities instead of the collective quest for good governance.

RESOLUTIONS
To address the challenges identified, participants recommended the following:

1. Domestication of Key Legislative Frameworks: That the government should take immediate steps to domesticate the FOI Act and Fiscal Responsibility Act at the state level to enhance accessibility and enforceability.
2. Reform of the PPA: That the PPA be reformed to incorporate inputs from key stakeholders to so as to suit the indigenes of Abia.
3. Capacity Building for Journalists: Media professionals should be made to undergo periodic training to expose them to the provisions of these frameworks and how to put them to practical use.

Also, they should be encouraged to promote ethical Journalism, as journalists are supposed to uphold accuracy, objectivity and maintain reporting based on facts in their line of engagement.

3. Strengthening Collaboration Between Civil Society and the Media: It was also suggested that there should be increased synergy between civil society organizations and the media to enhance the quest for accountability through ensuring compliance with the provisions of the frameworks.
4. Enhanced Legal and Financial Protection for Journalists: Media practitioners should be provided with legal and financial support to shield them from intimidation and enable them to discharge their professional duties genuinely without fear or favour.
5. Respect for Transparency Laws by Government Officials: Public officials must be trained to comply with legislative provisions on accountability, transparency and in granting access to information of public interest.
6. Encouraging Public Engagement in Governance: Citizens should be more actively involved in monitoring government activities at all levels to foster a culture of accountability.

CONCLUSION
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to the crucial role of the media in promoting good governance and called for sustained engagement through advocacy and training so as to ensure that the application of the Legislative Frameworks to promote transparency and accountability in Abia State becomes a norm. They further urged all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and the general public, to support initiatives aimed at strengthening accountability and transparency in governance.

Signed:
For and on behalf of Participants,

Amaka Biachi Esq.
Executive Director, CHARS-Africa

Okoye, Chuka Peter
Programme Officer