The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts on Wednesday commenced the consideration of the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Audit reports of some selected ministries, offices and government institutions in the state.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Honourable Anthony Elekeokwuri, said the exercise was in line with relevant laws of the state as well as Section 125, sub section 5 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
Elekeokwuri, who represents Ika north east in the House, recalled that the Auditor General, State, had submitted the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Audited report of the State Government to the State House of Assembly, which was referred to the Public Accounts Committee for scrutiny.
Flanked by members of the Committee, including Honorables Solomon Ighrakpata, Emeka Nwaobi, Fred Martins, Peter Uviejitobor, Charles Onyiyere and Felix Anira, the Lawmaker said a resolution would be passed on the report of the Committee after it must have been laid before the House during plenary.
He explained that the exercise was not to witch-hunt or targeted at some persons, but basically to ensure that the right thing was done and free the state of undue interference and pressure.
Elekeokwuri disclosed that the last time the exercise took place was in 2016, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in government activities at all times.
He said the Committee had looked into the report as submitted to the State Legislature, especially documents from the external Auditors, saying that issues raised on the report by the Auditor General (State) and the findings of members needed to be clarified, hence the public hearing.
The Committee Chairman charged all appearing before it to be open in their presentations and commended the Auditor General (State) for being a party to the exercise.
The Ika north east representative stated that due process and procedures were key to good governance, emphasizing the commitment of the state government to bringing greater dividends of democracy to the people.
The establishments appearing before the committee for the Audit exercise include, Ministries of Works, Transport, Health, Environment, Basic and Secondary Education, Energy and Agriculture and Natural Resources.
While the institutions include, Delta State University, Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, College of Education, Agbor, College of Education, Warri and College of Physical Education, Mosogar.
Also to appear before the committee is the Office of the State Accountant – General.
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