Paris Club Refund: Delta To Constitute Audit Committee To Audit Usage

Driven by the need for proper accountability and transparency in governance, the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has directed the State Auditor-General, Mr. Chukwudi Amudo to immediately constitute a team that would audit the use of the Parish Club refund in the state.

The Governor, represented by the State Commissioner for Finance, Olorogun David Edevbie gave the directive in Asaba, the state capital, while declaring open a two-day second edition of the Annual Audit Forum for Stakeholders organized by the Office of the Auditor-General (State) in collaboration with the World Bank and European Union sponsored State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR) project in the state.

Governor Okowa, while saying that the constitution of the team of Auditors for the Parish Club refund usage in the state was necessary given, the import of proper accountability and transparency in governance, however, said that it is evidence that the fund has been used appropriately.

He, however instructed that the team that should constituted immediately, should swing into action and also, ensure that it is thorough and holistic in their assignment.

Describing the workshop with the theme “Emerging Trends In Transparent and Accountable Conduct of Government Business: The Imperative of Accurate Book Keeping” as apt and timely, Governor Okowa challenged auditors in the state to use to properly x-ray the challenges of public financial management, particularly as it relates to their roles.

He said “owing to the national economic recession, government at all levels is facing severe financial challenge which calls for discipline, efficient planning and prudent management of public finances.

“This workshop will help in providing realistic solution for proper book keeping and financial management especially in public sector.

“There is no doubt that the financial management system in the country is weak because of the existence of certain enchants which create a variety of loopholes that has helped to facilitate and sustain inappropriate practices.

“As a state, we see public Sector Financial Management as an essential part of good governance. This, to a larger extent, has helped in the elimination of wastage as well as blocking leakages.

We have also ensured that public expenditure is kept within revenue limit, placing emphasis on judicious spending so we ‘II as reducing cost” the governor stated.

While urging auditors to remain committed to the tenets of their profession and training, the governor said, “our efforts can therefore be sustained through the commitment of individual auditors” Just as he likened an auditor to be a goalkeeper who must not be persuaded or induced to develop inexplicable practices nor should he or she be afraid by any individual player.

Earlier at the event, the Auditor-General of the State, Deacon Chuks Amudo, in his address of welcome, commended the State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for what he described as the Governor’s un-relented support to the growth of audit institution in the state.

Expectedly, tongues have been wagging over the allegedly diverted fund into personal account, but the state government through the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu denied the allegation of diversion, fraud as untrue, stating that the fund was judiciously used.