C’River Auditor-General For Local Govt Advocates Prudent Utilization Of Funds

The Auditor-General for Local Government, Cross River State, Dr. Eni Oden Ofem has called on elected Council Chairmen in the state to prudently utilize funds allocated to them including federal allocations, IGR, interventions funds among others aimed at bringing governance closer to the masses, crux of local government creation in Nigeria.

Dr. Ofem gave the charge in Calabar while addressing Newsmen on the need for a symbiotic relationship between his Office, elected Council Chairmen and the Cross River State House of Assembly in birthing a narrative noted for accountability, transparency and patriotism to nationhood.

This local government financial watchdog asserted that his office is saddled with three-fold responsibilities of conducting financial audits with a view to strengthened financial records, enforce compliance to extant laws in accordance to international best practices and adherence to Due Process, emphasizing Efficiency, Economic viability and effectiveness of financial expenditures of executed or conceived projects, adding that periodic visits of his officers to Council Headquarters across the state is aimed at interrogating financial statements of Councils drowned from her annual statement of account submitted 28 every February.

In his words

“We have outlined three areas which comprises of, Financial Audit, Compliance Audit and Performance Audit.

In financial audit, we look at the Council’s financial statements in the period under review, so that the Auditor can be able to express an opinion of truth and farness. 

Financial Audit should also meet the aspect of a Council’s financial records. 

“On compliance audit, we look at the Council’s compliance to extant laws, pronouncements, financial regulations and Auditor-General’s circulars. 

In Performance Audit, they are three key areas which are, Efficiency, Economic viability and Effectiveness of programs and projects captured in a given locale. 

According to Jerry Benta, ‘the greatest happiness of the greatest number is the foundation of morals and legislation’. Our watchword.”

“We urge Council Chairmen to up their game on improved internally generated revenue, it documentation and prudent Utilization for the good of all.

Additionally, they should comply to extant laws in accordance to international best practices.” He stated.

It is imperative to that this systemic ideological suasion focused on promoting financial probity in local government administration is both germane and people-oriented underscoring essence of this third tier of government designed intentionally to attract dividends of democracy to rural dwellers.

The commitment of Dr. Eni Oden Ofem to broadening the scope on good governance leveraging his Office speaks volume of envisioned growth should critical stakeholders align accordingly.

While this debate on navigating new frontiers on financial autonomy for local government gains prominence, Cross River remains in the spotlight to set the pace.