The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts, has commenced a five-day technical sessions on the 2020 audit report of the state government by the Auditor-General, State.
The exercise which is being presided by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon Anthony Emeka Elekeokwuri, is in line with the statutory obligation of the Committee as provided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as altered and the Delta State Audit law.
The Committee while flagging off the exercise at the State Assembly Complex in Asaba, disclosed that some Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs in the State with infractions in the 2020 audit report have been duly communicated and to appear before it.
Saying that the exercise is aimed at strengthening the public account sector, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon Anthony Elekeokwuri who represents Ika NorthEast in the House, noted that it is not intended at witch-hunting any individual or MDA.
According to him, sections 125, 128 and 129 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as section 12, sub section one of the Delta State Audit Law, gave the Public Accounts Committee the power to consider the audit report of the Auditor-General, of the various MDAs.
Hon Elekeokwuri disclosed that the 2020 audit report was forwarded to the State Assembly by the Auditor-General, State and was then referred to the Public Accounts Committee for legislative actions.
He said upon the completion of the assignment, the committee’s report will be laid at plenary for adoption by the House.
“That is the reason why we are here in order to ensure that we deepen the process and to make sure that we follow the rules and procedures and ensure that we address the issues raised by the Auditor-General of State.
“This is not to witch-hunt anybody but to make sure that we cross the ‘T’ and dot the ‘I’s
“This will give us the opportunity to clear any doubt and the grey areas where we do not feel comfortable.
“It is our hope and belief that at the end of this exercise, Deltans will be better for it” Elekeokwuri said.
In attendance at the opening session were the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Hon Solomon Ighrakpata and three other members, Peter Uviejitobor, Felix Anirah and Charles Onyiyere.
Also attending the technical sessions are officials of the Office of the Auditor-General, State.