By Chukwuma Umeorah
In a bid to foster greater accountability and transparency in governance, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has called upon its members to actively participate in politics, emphasising the pivotal role professionals can play in driving meaningful change within government institutions.
The 59th President of the Institute, Innocent Iweka Okwuosa, FCA, during his recent address at the inauguration event for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State emphasized the importance of professionals engaging in the political landscape so as to bring about the desired changes and development using their expertise into leadership roles.
“Accountability and transparency are the cornerstones of good governance, ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach all citizens, especially the vulnerable. We have done this in our public interest mandate through the ICAN Accountability Index. But of late, we have sought to go beyond that by calling on our members to go into politics and be the drivers of that which we are advocating for.”
Urging chartered accountants to heed the call to public service, he cited Governor Ododo’s transition from professional roles to the governorship as a model for others to follow. “We cannot be at the forefront of advocacy for accountability and transparency and then our members in government are doing otherwise,” Okwuosa stated, stressing the Institute’s commitment to upholding professional standards among its members in government.
Okwuosa highlighted Governor Ododo’s background as an esteemed member of ICAN and lauded his election as a testament to the people’s trust in his ability to lead. “You are not only a professional but also educated. Your affiliation with ICAN should make a difference as you serve as the governor of Kogi state. The Institute stands behind you and will support you with all the technical assistance you need to succeed in office.”
Governor Ododo whose first official engagement was receiving the President and members of the Institute reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the values it advocates. “I will ensure the involvement of more professionals in various roles within my administration to ensure proper accountability of public finance and that the people of Kogi state enjoy the dividends of democracy by prioritising their interests.”