The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has weighed in on the Third Basis on Revenue Allocation debate which has caused a standoff in Senate, saying Senators should aim for a win-win situation. In a statement on Friday, NCIC encouraged Senators to strive to attain a win-win situation by embracing the principle of ‘lose a little, win a little’ for the sake of unity. The Commission said it recognizes the major disparities in the levels of development across the country.
NCIC has further expressed concerns that the revenue allocation formula stalemate may cause rifts. It has stated that the ongoing debate has attracted unhealthy sentiments and rhetoric from political leaders, senior economists and the general public. “NCIC is concerned that the politicization of this debate will further widen the ethnic divide in the country…we urge and advise Senators to embrace an all inclusive dialogue, taking into account positive contribution of all relevant stakeholders.”
However, the Commission has acknowledged the role played by the Commission on Revenue Allocation, and affirmed that the backbone of national unity depends on equitable sharing of resources.