The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has praised the Senate’s scrutiny of government agencies, describing the recent questioning of the Managing Director of the South-East Development Commission, SEDC, Mark Okoye, as evidence of growing transparency and accountability in public administration.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary , Alli Ibraheem on Thursday, Oba Akanbi said the Senate committee’s engagement with heads of government parastatals and agencies demonstrated the legislature’s oversight role.
“I was amazed to watch live on television the grilling of the chairmen of government parastatals/agencies, most especially Mark Okoye, the Managing Director of Southeast Development Commission, by the Senate committee on the commission,” he said.
According to the traditional ruler, the public broadcast of such proceedings would strengthen confidence in governance and improve Nigeria’s image internationally.
“The live coverage of such a screening is a fundamental boost to Nigeria’s image, most especially in promoting transparency and accountability,” he stated.
The Oluwo said the development reflected efforts by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to promote openness in public service and restore public trust in government institutions.
“I am proud that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is restoring trust, openness, transparency and accountability by asking questions from the officials saddled with public trust,” he said.
He added that increased scrutiny of public officials could serve as a deterrent to corruption and contribute to improving the country’s international reputation.
“Public officials with a corrupt intention will have a second thought. Sooner or later, Nigeria will regain her integrity and international credit,” the monarch said.
The traditional ruler also linked the fight against corruption with efforts to tackle insecurity, arguing that both challenges were interconnected.
“I have the belief that a successful fight against corruption will decimate insecurity. For insecurity to die, we must kill corruption first. A direct checkmate of corruption is an indirect decimation of banditry,” he stated.
He urged lawmakers to be further empowered to carry out their oversight responsibilities effectively while also calling for mechanisms to investigate legislators found wanting in the discharge of their duties.
“Tinubu is fighting the two. Our legislators should be enhanced further to perform their oversight function and bring any corrupt officials to book. A watchdog should also be formed to probe any erring or corrupt legislators,” he said.
The Oluwo called on citizens to support security agencies by providing useful information, stressing that public participation remained essential in addressing insecurity across the country.
“The insecurity pervading the nation can only be fought collectively. Let’s encourage the government through necessary support by providing intelligence security tips. A hint can save thousands and capture many criminals,” he said.
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