By joshua 
A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 1-DAY STRATEGIC MEETING WITH CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS (CSO) PARTNERS AND THE MEDIA ON PRIORITIZING ANTI-CORRUPTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY ISSUES DURING THE UPCOMING 2023 ELECTIONS ORGANIZED BY THE CONSCIENCE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION (CHRCR) HELD AT HALIMS HOTEL ON 16TH DECEMBER 2023*
*BACKGROUND*
The 1-Day Strategic Meeting was organized to strengthen the interaction between Civil Society Organizations partners, Media and Faith Based Organizations on prioritizing Anti-Corruption and Accountability issues during the upcoming 2023 General Elections at State level in Kogi State.
The interactive meeting had in attendance selected Civil Society Organizations, Human Rights Activist, Media Organizations, representatives of Women and Youth Groups, faith based Organizations and professional Associations.
The meeting featured facilitated presentations on the overview of the project on fighting Anti-Corruption and Accountability, Panel Discussion on Stakeholders strategies for moving the campaign forward, Discussions on Development of Community Charter of Demand, Question and Answer sessions and Communique development.
*OBSERVATIONS*
The workshop make the following observations on issues concerning Anti-Corruption and Accountability in Nigeria in General and in Kogi State specifically.
– That there has been increased reportage and activities on Anti-Corruption, Transparency and Accountability in Elections and Governance by the CSOs and the Media.
-That despite some short comings, the Kogi State Government has conducted elections into the Local government councils.
– That however since that elections on the 12th December 2020, the results of the elections has not been released by the State Independent Electoral Commission despite the declared winners been inaugurated since 14th December 2020.
– That the 2022 Kogi State Budget Estimates is heavy on the Recurrent Expenditure rather than capital Expenditure which is needed for Infrastructure development.
– That despite promises and the call on the State House of Assembly, there was still no Public Hearing on the 2022 Budget Estimates, as there is a clear difference between Budget defense and Public Hearing, which is currently on going.
– That there were several Civil Society Organizations and Media practitioners, who are not transparent in their actions and utterances which encourages corruption.
*RECOMMENDATIONS*
After discussions and deliberations, the workshop made the following recommendations.
1. There is still need for more improved intervention and mainstreaming of Anti-Corruption and Accountability into the activities of the Civil Society and Media.
2. There is the need for The State Independent Electoral commission (SIEC) to release the results for the December 12th 2020 Local Government Council Elections without further delay, for record purposes and Documentation.
3. That the House of Assembly must restructure the 2022 Budget to reflect Capital projects for infrastructure development especially with the poor levels of development in the state.
4. That there must be Public Hearing in Appropriation law making to provide Citizens the opportunity to make inputs and engage the State Budgetary making process, as every bill before the Assembly require public inputs through Public Hearing.
5. There is need for Civil Society and the Media to continuously engage on issues on Anti-Corruption and Accountability on all ramification in the society particularly at State level.
6. Participants and the Organizers appreciate the on-going partnership between Conscience for Human rights and Conflict resolution (CHRCR) and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the continuous support of John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
*Signed*
*IDRIS MILIKI ABDUL*
*_EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR_*
*CONSCIENCE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION (CHRCR)*,
*LOKOJA*