e-Governance has reduced corruption in Lagos – Fashola

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, has said that the introduction of e-governance in the state has reduced the incidences of corruption, nepotism and favouritism in the Lagos, reports CHARLES OKOH.

Governor Fashola who was speaking at the 5th Nigerian Telecom Development Lecture (NITDEL), over the weekend, said for the people to reap the benefits of e-governance, apart from the provision of basic infrastructure, there is a need for adequate public enlightenment campaign and that governance is about the people.

Governor Fashola who spoke on “e-governance, a virile strategy to curb corruption in Nigeria, also said the adoption of e-governance promotes the best form of participatory democracy as it allows the constituents direct participation in government activities without being physically present; re-engineers a new sense of citizenship as the people redefines their needs, welfare and responsibilities as well as enable the governed to communicate with their government, participate in government’s policy making and decisions.

Others are that it enables the people to call the government and its agencies to question if and when the need arises as well as allowing them to relate with each other in order to disseminate information that affects their communities.

Governor Fashola, who was represented by the General Manager, Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA) Mr. Joe Igbokwe, noted that with the adoption of e-governance, government agencies are constantly put under the searchlight of the citizens, which ensures probity, responsibility and stewardship, stating that governance is promoted and the citizens become the ultimate beneficiaries.

He called for partnership with service operators to ensure continuity and upgrade of facilities to make certain seamless and efficient service delivery, adding that the state government would continue to make the state business-friendly and a first choice for all investors.

Governor Fashola, pointed out that with the recent magistracy reform bill signed by the government which makes it mandatory for magistrates to sit on Saturdays, suspects will no longer be unduly remanded in custody and that the practice of taking records in long hands would be replaced with electronic recording and processing.

“We must come to terms with the realities and challenges in modern societies. The fact remains that we cannot continue to do things the same old ways we have been used to doing over the years and expect different results. To achieve the much desired, results, there must be a clear departure from the past and we must inculcate and imbibe fresh ideas that will engineer growth and ensure development in critical sectors of the economy,” he said.

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