ELEKEOKURI CALLS FOR PROBITY IN MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS

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The Public Accounts Committee of the Delta State House of Assembly has stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

The Chairman of the Committee, Honourable Anthony Elekeokori, who stated this at the inaugural meeting of the committee at the Assembly Complex in Asaba, said probity must be the watchword, adding that transparency and accountability were key to good governance.

Flanked by some members of the Committee, including Honorables Solomon Ighrakpata, Emeke Nwaobi, Peter Uviejitobor, Felix Anirah and Charles Oniyere, Honourable Elekeokori described the task of the committee as enormous.

He stated that Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, as well as institutions and local government councils would occasionally be invited to appear before the committee to give account of how they managed public funds at their disposal.

Honourable Elekeokori stressed that the measure was not to witch-hunt anyone, but to keep the relevant officers on their toes by ensuring that public funds were properly accounted for.

The Lawmaker commended the state Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for encouraging the work of the committee and warned the MDAs against flouting the relevant financial regulations, including the fiscal responsibility and audit laws.

He said the committee would not renege its responsibilities on the alter of politics, promising to surpass the success recorded in the sixth Assembly as Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts.

He appealed to members and the secretariat of the committee to be committed to accomplishing the task ahead, as good financial management in the state would help in achieving the Stronger Delta vision of the state government.

Earlier, the Clerk of the Committee, Mr Alex Joe, said the Public Accounts committee was viewed as one for financial scrutiny and accountability in any democratic government.

The Auditor-General, State, Mr Paul Aghanenu, attended the meeting.

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