Should governors disclose how they spent Paris Club Refund?

Ibrahim K. Ayuba, 44, Financial Analyst, Abuja It’s not a question of if, or when to disclose such an addition to its finances. It behoves on every level of government to promote fiscal responsibility and accountability to its tax payers, more so at a critical time when government is experiencing revenue crunch in its finances. […]

Ibrahim K. Ayuba, 44, Financial Analyst, Abuja

It’s not a question of if, or when to disclose such an addition to its finances. It behoves on every level of government to promote fiscal responsibility and accountability to its tax payers, more so at a critical time when government is experiencing revenue crunch in its finances. There’s the issue of morality and of law. The disclosure has a rippling effect of endearing the government in the eyes of the public. Transparency is key in good governance, which places the government on higher pedestal and also heightened legitimacy. This goes a long way in not only enhancing good governance but further deepening democracy overall.

Dangana Toyiring Farman, 36, Business Developer, Kaduna.

It will be good if the governors can disclose how they spent the London Paris club refund given the fact that some states are yet to settle salaries and other entitlements. From a professional point of view, the federal government through the accountant general of the federation can’t reveal details of how states that benefited from the N388.304 billion London Paris Club loan refunds utilized their shares due to professional and confidential reasons. States have exclusive control over their revenue and expenditure and the accountant general of the federation cannot demand obligatorily from any tier of government, including the 35 states, information on how they have spent the Paris club refunds. 

Chikezie Chiedu, 36, Publisher, Onitsha

I think it is time our leaders step up the quality of leadership in our society. Many Nigerians are demanding this disclosure, considering the fact that some states are still owing salaries after receiving this fund. It’s imperative that these governors understand that the mandate they hold is on trust.

Louisanne Sekyere, Abuja

The only way the government can move forward in terms of economic development is to ensure transparency and accountability to its people. Giving vague explanation on how money was spent doesn’t cut it. We need a clear breakdown of what exactly the money was spent on.

Nora Wilson, 33, Ilorin, Customer Care Representative

Yes they should, but only when sincerity will be applied because our government is always full of words without action.

Mani A. Audu, 37, Businessman, Eket, Akwa Ibom State 

Yes, I absolutely believe that governors should disclose how they spent the Paris Club Refund for the sake of transparency and accountability. Nigerians have every right to have this information available to them.