Accountability is key to North East development, Saraki

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, yesterday stated that accountability and oversight are key components in the nation’s efforts to rehabilitate the insurgency-ravaged North East zone.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, said Saraki’s statement was in response to the conclusion of the four-day visit by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Dr. Chaloka Beyani.

The Senate President noted that he was encouraged to learn that the international community is beginning to pay more attention to the suffering in the North East. He added that the country was headed in the right direction in tackling the North East’s humanitarian crisis, but there are several issues in areas of accountability such as sexual abuse, lack of protection and the provision of basic services that need to be addressed still.

He also emphasised the need to focus less on sensational stories of corruption in the relief effort and instead, focus on more transparent systems to root out corruption and profiteering. Saraki further stated that when the 8th Senate resumes sitting later in the month, the humanitarian crisis in the North East would be top priority.