By Israel Mbam
Following recent issues raised by the Senate Committee on the Southeast Development Commission, (SEDC), the South East Civil Society Network (SECSONet) has called for restraint, fairness and constructive engagement by all parties involved. The call is contained in a press statement issued by the network’s coordinator, Prince Chris Azor.
The statement reads;
“The South East Civil Society Network (SECSONet) has followed recent developments surrounding the oversight engagement between the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and the leadership of the Commission.
“As stakeholders committed to peace, accountability and development in the Southeast, we consider it important to call for restraint, fairness and constructive engagement by all parties involved.
“The South East Development Commission is a critical intervention institution established to address the enormous infrastructure, economic and developmental challenges facing the Southeast. At this early stage of its existence, the Commission requires stability, support and responsible supervision to succeed.
“We acknowledge and respect the constitutional oversight responsibility of the National Assembly. Oversight is necessary in every democracy and public institutions must remain accountable to the people.
However, oversight must not create the impression of intimidation, political pressure, harassment or attempts to weaken institutions before they are allowed to function effectively. The Senate Committee must therefore approach its engagement with SEDC in a fair, measured and responsible manner that promotes institutional confidence rather than fear and uncertainty.
“Across the country, citizens have repeatedly raised concerns over allegations that some oversight processes are sometimes used as instruments for blackmail, coercion or bargaining pressure against public institutions. Whether true or not, such public perception is damaging to democratic institutions and must not be allowed to define the relationship between the Senate Committee and the SEDC.
“The Southeast cannot afford a situation where a strategic regional development institution becomes distracted, destabilized or subjected to unnecessary political tension at takeoff stage.
“This concern becomes even more important in light of reports indicating that the Commission is yet to receive substantial capital funding needed to drive meaningful developmental activities. Energy should therefore be directed towards ensuring adequate funding, institutional stability and transparent delivery of the Commission’s mandate to the people of the Southeast.
“In the interest of the region, we call for:
A constructive and non-hostile engagement process between the Senate Committee and the SEDC leadership.
Fair and professional oversight mechanisms that strengthen accountability without creating fear, intimidation or operational paralysis.
Immediate attention to the funding challenges confronting the Commission.
“Greater transparency and regular public communication from SEDC to build public confidence and trust.
“The establishment of independent civil society monitoring and accountability mechanisms to support transparency, project tracking and citizens participation.
“As civil society actors,
we encourage accountability in all ramifications, and strongly support transparency and responsible management of public resources. At the same time, we believe that oversight should protect public institutions, not expose them to political pressure, media trial or institutional sabotage.
“The success of SEDC is bigger than politics. It is about the future of the Southeast and the urgent need for development, reconstruction, economic recovery and public confidence in government institutions.
“We therefore urge all stakeholders to act with wisdom, restraint and sincerity of purpose in the overall interest of the Southeast region and the Nigerian federation at large.”
