The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed concern over the enthusiastic media responses from politicians and contractors regarding the establishment of regional development commissions, including the South-East Development Commission. The group urged citizens in these regions to establish robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability.
In a recent press statement, HURIWA criticized the past performance of similar commissions, notably the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which, according to the group, has failed to address infrastructural deficits and environmental degradation in crude oil-producing communities due to rampant corruption.
HURIWA, led by National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, recalled President Bola Tinubu’s recent signing into law of the North-West Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024, and the South-East Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023. These commissions are intended to address regional development challenges, including the reconstruction of infrastructure and tackling poverty and environmental issues.
The group emphasized that citizens should focus on monitoring and ensuring the proper functioning of these commissions rather than merely celebrating their establishment. They warned against allowing these commissions to become corrupt and ineffective, similar to the NDDC and the North East Development Commission, which has struggled with addressing the needs of internally displaced persons.
READ ALSO: Tinubu’s Policy Shift: HURIWA Warns of Sovereignty Risks
HURIWA called on the youths of the South-East and North-West to be vigilant and demand accountability to ensure that these new commissions deliver tangible benefits to their communities.
