#EndSARS: Youths desire accountability, says Okonjo-Iweala

Former Nigerian Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okomjo-Iweala, has urged the Federal Government and other African governments to embrace open, transparent and accountable governance as the continent strives to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking on Revisiting Africa’s Economy Post-COVID-19’ on Saturday at the 15th Convocation of Bowen University in Iwo, Osun State, the former World Bank director said the #EndSARS protests showed the desire of Nigerian youths for more accountable and transparent leaders.

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The convocation lecturer said African countries including Nigeria must exercise greater caution with its rapidly increasing debt profile and  look inwards to grow capacities for their respective economies.

Okonjo-Iweala, who is the leading candidate for the job of director-general of the World Trade Organisation stated  “Africa’s young population is increasingly demanding better governance from its leaders including transparency and accountability. Nigeria’s recent #EndSARS movement is a good illustration for the desired accountability.

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“A post-COVID-19 modern African economy must be anchored on these values of open, transparent and accountable governance; governance that gives youths, women and other marginalised people increased voice.

READ ALSO: #ENDSARS: Proceedings adjourned As Youth Reps Shun Lagos Judicial Panel

“An important aspect of accountability relates with the use of financial resources including debts. Africa needs better and more transparency of its debts. Such transparency engenders trust of citizens and facilitates better working conditions with partners.

“Africa also needs to exercise greater caution with its rapidly increasing debt profile.

“The continent cannot afford repeated circles of rapid borrowings, debt sustainability problem and pleads to creditors for debt restructuring and forgiveness.

“In this regard, an important aspect as Africa build back post-COVID-19 is the need to strengthen countries’ abilities and tools for improved domestic resource mobilisation.”