Oluwo backs Senate grilling of heads of govt agencies
Oluwo of Iwoland Commends Senate for Increased Oversight of Government Agencies
Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwoland, has voiced his support for the Nigerian Senate’s oversight of government agencies, highlighting the recent questioning of Mark Okoye, Managing Director of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), as a positive step toward transparency in public administration.
In a statement released Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi praised the Senate committee’s engagement with agency heads, asserting it underscores the legislative branch’s crucial oversight responsibilities.
“I was struck to see the Senate committee questioning the chairmen of various government agencies, particularly Mark Okoye,” Oba Akanbi remarked, referring to the televised proceedings.
The monarch noted that the public broadcast of such sessions enhances trust in governance and bolsters Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage. “The live coverage is a significant boost to Nigeria’s image, especially in promoting transparency and accountability,” he stated.
Oba Akanbi attributed this development to the administration of President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing a commitment to restoring public trust in government institutions. “Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is working to reinstate trust, openness, transparency, and accountability by scrutinizing the officials entrusted with public responsibilities,” he said.
He argued that greater scrutiny of public officials could deter corruption and improve Nigeria’s standing globally. “Public officials with corrupt intentions may reconsider their actions. In time, Nigeria will regain its integrity and international credit,” the traditional ruler added.
The Oluwo also connected the fight against corruption with addressing insecurity, asserting that the two issues are intertwined. “I believe that effectively tackling corruption will reduce insecurity. To combat insecurity, we must first address corruption. A direct assault on corruption is a crucial step in diminishing banditry,” he stated.
He called for further empowerment of lawmakers to fulfill their oversight duties effectively and urged the establishment of mechanisms to investigate legislators who fail to perform their responsibilities. “The Tinubu administration is addressing both issues. Our legislators should have the tools they need to hold corrupt officials accountable. A watchdog should also be established to investigate any errant or corrupt legislators,” he said.
Furthermore, Oba Akanbi encouraged citizens to support security agencies by providing actionable intelligence. He emphasized the importance of public involvement in tackling the nation’s security challenges. “The pervasive insecurity can only be addressed collectively. Let’s support the government by sharing valuable information; a single tip can save countless lives and lead to the capture of criminals,” he concluded.
