Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts has stressed that prudent management of resources was the only way visible development could be achieved at the local government councils.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon Anthony Emeka Elekeokwuri stated this during the public hearings organised by the Committee to look into the audited accounts of the 25 local government councils in the state.
The exercise which took place at the Public Accounts Committee Hall, Assembly Complex in Asaba, the state capital, had in attendance the 25 Chairmen of the councils in the state.
Elekeokwuri, who represents Ika North East Constituency in the House, said drastic steps must be taken to reduce waste and corruption in the councils.
Elekeokwuri flanked by some members of the Committee including Honourables Emeka Nwaobi, Peter Uviejitobor, Felix Anirah, Charles Onyiyere and Evuakporie Evivie, emphasised that the sure way to guarantee good governance at the grass-root level is fiscal discipline.
The lawmaker reminded the Council Chairmen of the various financial and audit laws in the state, maintaining that resources accruable to the councils must be judiciously applied into massive infrastructure development, welfare and security of the people at the grassroots.
Hon Elekeokwuri said the invitation of the Council Chairmen by the Committee is a statutory obligation enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria, stating that provisions of section 129 of the Delta State Audit law, also empower the Committee to invite and look at the books of the local government councils.
Maintaining that the invitation was not to witch-hunt as being perceived by some of the Council Chairmen anytime they were invited to appear before the Committee, Hon Elekeokwuri advised against such and urged them to be transparent and accountable of their stewardship to the people.
He emphasised that good governance must be delivered by the local government administrators to compliment the development strides of the state government, even as he disclosed that the Committee had received queries by the Auditor General, Local Government, on the discrepancies in the account books of the Councils.
Elekeokwuri pointed out that appearing before the Public Accounts Committee was an opportunity for the Chairmen to clear issues raised in the queries at this stage of scrutinizing the report before the presentation of the document on the floor of the State Assembly for adoption.
He, therefore, challenged the Chairmen to defend the financial reports before members and provide additional information that will assist the committee to clear the discrepancies and come out with a position that would enhance good governance at the grassroots.
The lawmaker reminded the Council chairmen of the consequences of their actions and inactions that they must defend at the end of their tenure, saying that the State Audit Law empowers the State Assembly to issue a warrant of arrest on any Local Government Chairman that failed to be accountable.
Hon Elekeokwuri stated that the only way to avoid such unpleasant circumstances was for them to adhere to due process, diligent procedures, transparency, accountability and good governance.
He urged the Chairmen to create a cordial working relationship with the Auditor General, Local Government, for the good of the state and the people.
The public hearing also had in attendance the Auditor General, Local Government and Treasurers of the various local government councils in the state.
