Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwoland, has commended the Senate for its tough questioning of government officials. He described the recent interrogation of Mark Okoye, Managing Director of the South-East Development Commission, as a sign of genuine accountability.
In a statement Thursday through his Chief Press Secretary Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi praised the legislature's oversight work. He said watching the Senate committee grill agency heads on live television showed real progress.
"I was amazed to watch live on television the grilling of the chairmen of government parastatals and agencies, most especially Mark Okoye, the Managing Director of Southeast Development Commission, by the Senate committee," he said.
Oba Akanbi believes such public hearings strengthen public confidence in government. He argues that televised proceedings boost Nigeria's international image significantly.
"The live coverage of such a screening is a fundamental boost to Nigeria's image, most especially in promoting transparency and accountability," he stated.
According to the traditional ruler, President Bola Tinubu's administration is working hard to restore openness in public service. This effort, he said, helps rebuild 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 noted.
Oba Akanbi believes stronger oversight can deter corruption among public officials. He's confident this approach will eventually improve Nigeria's standing globally.
"Public officials with a corrupt intention will have a second thought. Sooner or later, Nigeria will regain her integrity and international credit," the monarch added.
He went further to link the corruption fight with efforts to tackle insecurity. Both problems, he argued, are deeply connected.
"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.
Oba Akanbi called for stronger powers for lawmakers to perform their oversight duties. He also wants oversight mechanisms to investigate corrupt legislators.
"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.
Citizens must also play their part, according to the Oluwo. He urged Nigerians to support security agencies with intelligence and useful information.
"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.
