Oluwo Backs Senate Oversight of Development Agencies, Says Public Scrutiny Is Key to Fighting Corruption.

Oluwo Backs Senate Oversight of Development Agencies, Says Public Scrutiny Is Key to Fighting Corruption.

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has described the recent Senate interrogation of the Managing Director of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Mark Okoye, as a positive demonstration of transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public sector.

Speaking on the development, the traditional ruler said the public scrutiny of government agencies and officials remains one of the most effective mechanisms for curbing corruption, promoting responsible governance, and ensuring that public institutions remain accountable to citizens.

Oba Akanbi noted that the Senate committee’s engagement with the SEDC leadership reflects a growing culture of oversight and institutional checks under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to him, democratic governance thrives when public officials are required to explain how public resources are managed and when oversight institutions are empowered to perform their constitutional responsibilities without interference.

The monarch emphasized that transparency in the administration of development commissions and other government agencies is critical to fostering public trust, improving service delivery, and ensuring that funds allocated for regional development achieve their intended objectives. He added that regular legislative reviews and public accountability processes can help strengthen governance structures across the country.

The Senate’s scrutiny of the South East Development Commission has attracted national attention amid ongoing efforts to ensure prudent management of public resources and effective implementation of development projects in the South East region. Analysts have argued that strong oversight mechanisms are essential for preventing financial mismanagement and enhancing the performance of public institutions.

Oba Akanbi further urged public office holders to embrace accountability as a core principle of governance, stressing that openness and transparency are necessary for national development. He maintained that public confidence in government institutions can only be sustained when citizens are assured that leaders and agencies remain answerable for their actions and decisions.

The comments come as Nigeria continues to intensify anti corruption efforts and strengthen institutional frameworks aimed at promoting transparency, fiscal responsibility, and good governance across all levels of governments.