By Uzo Ugwunze
A member of the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Victor Ogene has charged journalists to hold government at all levels accountable in budget implementation.
Addressing members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council at Godwin Ezeemo International Press center, Awka shortly after the union’s Election that saw Emeka Odogwu emerge winner for a second term in office, Hon. Ogene claimed that most state governors run “closed budget”.
He said that budgets of most state government do not contain specific amounts appropriated for specified projects.
According to the member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State,’the budget estimate of the State Governments unlike national budget should contain specifics”.
Hon. Ogene noted that most states budgetary allocations are mainly sectoral without details of the various projects earmarked for implementation and the amount.
He urged journalists to interrogate and monitor implementation of budgets of State Governments for proper accountability.
“It is disheartening that some state lawmakers do not know the details of the state budget which they approve for the governor to implement”, Ogene stated.
Moreover, the Labour Party leader observed that investigative journalism is dwindling and tasked journalists to sit up and be alive to their responsibilities as the watchdog of the society.
However, the immediate past Chairman of the Anambra State Council of NUJ, Comrade Emeka Odogwu was re–elected after securing overwhelming 173 votes to defeat his former vice-chairman and only challenger, Comrade Ngozi Obileri who polled 40 votes.Also, Chibuzo Obidike polled 168 votes to unseat the former Treasurer, Ogemdi Ozoemena who got 45 votes.
Other State NUJ Exco members inaugurated today include Comrade Beatrice Onuchukwu-Ekwueme- Vice-Chairman, Dr. Okechukwu Onuegbu – Secretary, the Assistant Secretary- Mrs Chinyere Ogbuagu, and Mrs Grace Onwukwe – Financial Secretary
Odogwu in his speech after the swearing in of his new executive particularly thanked the state governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo; commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor; Special Adviser on Political Matters, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu and other State actors for rejecting the pressure to interfer in the NUJ council election.
He promised to work hard to take the council to greater heights and urged his co-contestant and other members of the council to unite and work for the progress of the council towards improving the welfare of the members of the Council.
