The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has faulted elected and appointed officeholders who make it difficult for stakeholders to access critical information for accountability.

CHRICED executive director Ibrahim Zikirullah stated this while briefing journalists on Tuesday in Kano.

“Access to public information to demand accountability remains a herculean task. Such situations undermine the struggle to ensure accountability in the use of public resources, especially as it pertains to the grassroots level,” said the CHRICED director.

Mr Zikirullah added, “Some politicians and public officials deliberately erect obstacles to undermine the right of people to public information and data; inaccessible and unwilling attitude of such persons to answer constituents’ questions violates the provisions of Section 15 (5) of the amended Nigerian Constitution of 1999, which states that the states “shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power’.”

Mr Zikirullah further stated that CHRICED would remain steadfast in enlightening citizens to remain undaunted in the struggle to ensure accountability in the use of public resources as the centre engages in high-level advocacy with public officers and politicians with the view to overcoming the obstacles.

“We have been achieving these through community enlightenment workshops, accountability report back sessions, stakeholders consultative meetings and advocacies. We inform and educate the people to promote transparency and increase citizen participation inclusion in the state’s constituency project planning and implementation process,” he said.

The executive director noted that as part of the NGO’s strategy to equip critical stakeholders with skills to hold public officials accountable for public funds for constituency projects, 263 participants from 37 LGAs of the state were trained during eight community enlightenment workshops.

Mr Zikirullahi urged Nigerians to pressure politicians and public officials to fulfil their responsibilities.

(NAN)