Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, said on Friday, that accountability was an essential component in the rehabilitation of the North-East zone.
This remark was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja.
Saraki, who lauded the Federal Government for overcoming the crisis in the North East, said issues of accountability, sexual abuse, lack of protection and provision of basic services had yet to be tackled.
He said that accountability must be built into all aspects of the relief packages and rehabilitation of the affected communities to promote confidence in government.
Saraki stressed the need to focus less on sensational stories of corruption in the relief effort but give more attention to transparency in the systems, so as to tackle corruption and profiteering.
He assured that upon resumption from recess, the Senate would make the crisis in the North East a priority on its development agenda.
“We are more than willing to work with all Nigerians and the international stakeholders in order to restore development, dignity and hope to the people of the North East,” he said.
The Senate President lauded the support of the international community in ameliorating the sufferings of the people in the terror torn area.
“We are hopeful about the increasing international attention being shown towards the North East.
“ We need to ensure that our accountability mechanisms generate confidence in our ability to monitor the delivery of relief materials and other needed resources to quicken rehabilitation,’’ he said.
