A Bill for a Law to regulate the Financial Management of the Delta State Government, has scaled through second reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly.
The development followed resumed debate on the merits of the Bill at Plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
It would be recalled that further debate on the Financial Management Bill was suspended barely a month ago after the lead Sponsor and Member representing Ika North East, Hon Anthony Elekeokwuri opened debate on its merits.
Upon resumed debate, some of the Lawmakers who spoke in favour of the Bill said the proposed law is capable of transforming the financial and accounting processes of the State.
Leading the pack was the member representing Isoko North Constituency, Hon. Jude Ogbimi, who explained that the main trust of the bill is to promote probity, transparency and accountability in governance in Delta State.
Hon Ogbemi maintained that the proposed law was capable of developing the state’s public sector accounting regulations to conform with the world best practices.
The Isoko North representative emphasized that a well financial regulated system would but only promote good governance and greater development in the state.
For his part, the Deputy Chief Whip and member representing Uvwie, Hon Solomon Ighrakpata, said abnormalities in the state public accounting procedures were being addressed by the proposed law.
Hon Ighrakpata explained that the bill is all funds networking processes and procedures, including mobilization and allocation of the resources to avoid conflicts particularly amongst government ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs.
The Uvwie Lawmaker said transparency, accou and good governance were key to economic development, hence the need for the proposed law in the state.
Also speaking in favour of the bill, the member representing Ughelli South Constituency, Hon Reuben Izeze, commended the led sponsor, Hon Emeka Elekeokwuri for the well thought out bill that seeks to bring all related financial laws in the state into one document.
Hon Izeze who also commended the earlier speakers for brilliantly dwelling on the merits of the proposed law pointed out the clauses in the bill that provided sanctions for violation of any part of the provisions of the proposed law, saying that jail terms awaits those careless handle government businesses for their selfish gains.
The Ughelli South Legislator emphasized that there must be sanity in the financial management of the state.
No member spoke against the proposed law.
The Speaker thereafter committed the bill to the joint committee on Special Bills and Finance and Appropriations for further legislative actions.