The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts has commenced the consideration of the report of the auditor general for local government on the accounts of the 25 local government councils in the state for the year 2024.
Chairman of the committee, James Augoye in his opening remarks before the audit review entered into a closed-door session, said the exercise is in line with provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
Welcoming chairmen and other top officials from local government councils in Delta Central Senatorial District of the state, Augoye explained that it is a constitutional responsibility of the state legislature to ensure that financial records of the councils conform to legal standards.
The legislator who represents Okpe Constituency in the House urged the local government officials to take the exercise seriously, stressing that the process is not intended to witch-hunt any individual or institution.
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Augoye assured the local government chairmen that the committee will be guided by the relevant laws in scrutinizing the books of the 25 local government councils in the state.
He said the Delta State House of Assembly is committed to transparency and accountability in the councils to further promote and strengthen good governance at the grassroots.
In their remarks during the opening session, the Auditor General (Local Government), Mr. Ikenna Ukpaka, and the Chairman, Ughelli South Local Government Council, Lucky Avweromre, expressed support for the oversight assignment of the public accounts committee.
Ukpaka and Avweromre described the exercise as apt and necessary, stating that it will enhance financial discipline in the administration of local government councils.
They pledged their readiness to fully cooperate with the committee in ensuring the success of the audit review process.
State Chairman of ALGON and Chairman of Okpe Local Government Council, Isaiah Esiovwa, and his counterparts from Ethiope East, Ethiope West, Udu, Uvwie, Sapele, Ughelli South, and Ughelli North were all in attendance.
