By: Sunday Ameh
The South East Development Agenda has commended the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission for its oversight of the commission, while calling for greater transparency and accountability in the management of funds allocated for the development of the region.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the regional civil society organisation and public accountability watchdog said the Senate committee’s intervention demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that the commission remains faithful to its mandate and avoids the pitfalls that have undermined similar intervention agencies in the country.
SEDA noted that the South East Development Commission was established to drive regional reconstruction, economic revitalisation, infrastructure development and restore public confidence in government-led development initiatives.
The group, however, expressed concern over reports that emerged from the recent engagement between the Senate committee and the leadership of the commission regarding the utilisation of public funds.
According to SEDA, concerns raised by lawmakers over the commission’s financial submissions, including alleged questionable expenditure classifications, insufficient disclosures and inadequate explanations for certain expenditures, deserve urgent attention.
“The financial report presented before the Senate Committee has been widely described as inadequate, unsatisfactory and lacking the level of transparency expected of an institution entrusted with billions of naira in public funds,” the statement read.
The organisation said any perception of reckless spending, whether arising from actual misconduct or poor financial reporting, could undermine public confidence in the commission and weaken support for its developmental mandate.
SEDA called on the leadership of the commission to immediately provide detailed records of expenditures, procurement processes, project approvals, contract awards, payment schedules and project implementation reports.
It also urged the commission to institutionalise quarterly public reporting mechanisms that would allow citizens of the South-East to track budget releases, project execution, contract performance and development outcomes.
The group further encouraged the Senate committee to sustain its oversight role to ensure that every appropriated fund translates into meaningful developmental benefits for the people of the region.
“The South-East cannot afford another intervention agency whose impact is diminished by weak governance structures, poor financial management, inadequate oversight or public distrust,” the statement added.
SEDA maintained that the people of the South-East deserve a commission that is transparent, accountable and prudent in the management of public resources.
The statement was signed by the Convener of SEDA, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, and the Administrative Secretary, Chiemezielam Kelechi Onuoha Steve.
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