The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts says prudent management of resources was the only way visible physical development could be achieved at the local government councils.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon Anthony Emeka Elekeokwuri stated this during the public hearings organized by the Committee to look into the audited accounts of the 25 local government councils in the state.
The exercise which took place at the Public Accounts Committee hall, Delta State Assembly Complex, Asaba, saw the 25 Chairmen of the local government councils in the state, individually appearing before the Committee.
Hon Elekeokwuri who represents Ika North East in the House, said drastic steps must be taken to reduce waste and corruption in the councils, emphasizing that the sure way to guarantee good governance at the grass-root level is fiscal discipline.
Elekeokwuri flanked by some members of the Committee including Honorables Emeka Nwaobi, Peter Uviejitobor, Felix Anirah, Charles Onyiyere and Evuakporie Evivie, reminded the Council Chairmen of the various financial and audit laws in the state, maintaining that resources accruable to the councils must be judiciously applied into massive infrastructure development, welfare and security of the people at the grassroots.
He said invitation to appear before the committee is a statutory obligation in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, stating that provisions of section 129 of the constitution empowers the Committee to invite and look at the books of local government councils.
Maintaining that the invitation was not to witch-hunt as being perceived by some of the Council Chairmen anytime they were asked to appear before the Committee, Hon Elekeokwuri advised against such notion and urged them to be transparent and accountable of their stewardship to the people.
The Legislator stressed that good governance must be delivered at the councils to compliment the development strides of the state government, even as he disclosed that the Committee had received queries by the Auditor General, Local Government, on the discrepancies in the Account Books of the Councils.
Elekeokwuri pointed out that appearing before the Public Accounts Committee was opportunity for the Chairmen to clear issues raised in the queries at this stage of scrutinizing the report before the presentation of the document on the floor of the State Assembly for adoption.
He therefore challenged the Chairmen to defend the financial reports that are before the committee and provide additional information that will assist it to clear the discrepancies and come out with a position that would enhance good governance at the grassroots.
The Lawmaker reminded the Chairmen of consequences of their actions and inactions which they must defend at the end of their tenure, saying that the State Audit Law empowers the Assembly to issue warrant of arrest on any Local Government Chairman that failed to be accountable.
Hon Elekeokwuri said the only way to avoid such unpleasant circumstances was for the Chairmen to adhere to due process, deligent procedures, transperacy, accountability and good governance.
He urged them to create cordial working relationship with the Auditor General, Local Government, for the good of the state and the people.
The public hearing had in attendance the Auditor General, Local Government and Treasurers of the various local government councils in the state amongst others.