Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts has emphasized the need for local government councils across the state to strictly adhere to laws that promote accountability and transparency in financial management.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon James Augoye, gave the charge during the ongoing review of the Auditor General (Local Government) report on the accounts of the 25 local government councils for the 2024 fiscal year.
Speaking before the session went into a closed-door with the Council Chairmen from Delta South Senatorial District, Hon. Augoye explained that the exercise was in line with provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as altered).
He noted that it is the constitutional duty of the legislature to ensure that financial records of the councils meet legal standards.
Hon Augoye, who represents Okpe Constituency in the House and former Commissioner for Works in the State, stressed that the review was not a witch-hunt exercise but a routine oversight aimed at strengthening good governance.
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He assured the chairmen of the Councils that the Committee would be guided strictly by relevant laws and rules in scrutinizing the accounts.
In their remarks, the Auditor General (Local Government), Mr. Ikenna Ukpaka, and the Chairman, Bomadi Local Government Council, Hon. Dagidi Andaye, commended the committee for diligently carrying out its constitutional responsibility.
They described the exercise as a vital step toward entrenching financial discipline in local government administration and pledged the cooperation of stakeholders to ensuring success of the audit review.
In attendance were some members of the Public Accounts Committee, including, Honourables Matthew Omonade, Spencer Owhofa, Bridget Anyafulu, and Frank Esenwa.
Chairmen of Bomadi, Burutu, Isoko South, Isoko North, Patani, Warri North, and Warri South West were present at the session.
