Advocacy for the establishment of anti-corruption commission and passage of audit bill is gaining momentum across in Anambra State.
The most recent push is from the coalition of civil society organisations, CSOs, on Audit and Anti-Corruption in Anambra State which during an advocacy visit to the state Accountant General, Dr Chukwudi Okoli, argued that the commission and the audit bill will boost the fight against corruption in government.
The visit is targeted at promoting accountability and fiscal transparency in a bid to ensure value for public funds particularly at a time the nation faces precarious economic realities.
The Lead of the Advocacy Team, Freeman Ugochi, while presenting the brief, bemoaned the prevalence of corruption in government business and its negative impact on its the progress and development.
She commended the Accountant General for ensuring public disclosure of the yearly Accountant General’s reports which promote accountability and transparency in the management of public finance.
“We are coalition of different CSOs working to promote accountability and transparency particularly in the fiscal space. Our mission is to ensure that public resources are managed efficiently, effectively, and transparently for the benefit of all citizens.
By partnering with government institutions, like the Ministry of Finance and Accountant General we aim to strengthen audit frameworks, enhance public trust, and foster economic growth.
Freeman decried the destructive impacts of corruption in the public space in the area, which she noted has necessitated the establishment of the anti-corruption commission.
“In Anambra, there are good number of projects that were contracted but not executed. The anti-corruption commission, when established, would give the anti-corruption fight a boost and would ensure that indicted public officers and private firms are prosecuted”.
“At the federal level, we have the National Open Treasury Portal where every release of the Federal Government is published. We want to see the same thing in Anambra State to enable citizens to track project implementation and hold officials involved accountable,” she added.
According to Freeman, the passage of the state audit bill will further engender transparency and accountability in government spending and decision-making processes.
“We are here to advocate for speedy passage of Anambra State Audit Bill, which has been under review for over two years, effective utilization and retirement of releases. We urge you to ensure follow-up on releases for effective utilization and retirement.
“We also appeal for compliance with State House of Assembly resolutions, and withholding of releases to MDAs not adhering to such resolutions on Auditor General’s report to ensure value for money”.
While soliciting for support for the state Anti Corruption Committee, timely release of funds for oversight activities, and strengthening internal compliance mechanisms, the Coalition lead stressed the need for proactive disclosure by the office of Accountant General. “We request real-time disclosure of capital project releases in a readable format for effective budget monitoring and tracking.
In a remark, a member of the team and Executive Director, Civil Rights Concern, Okay Onyeka, commended Governor Soludo’s administration for its financial policies, noting that the government has done well in the implementation of key projects and other services in the state.
He however opined that the audit bill, when passed into law, will be crucial and effective for ensuring adequate monitoring, transparency and accountability in governance of the state.
Responding, the Accountant General, Dr Okoli, remarked that there had been greater transparency in government business and operations under the Chukwuma Soludo’s administration as public funds are now being used in the interest of the people.
He extoled the patriotism exhibited by members of the coalition with a promise to support them in the quest for accountability and transparency in the utilisation of public resources. “Having a team like yours that is very much concerned about government transparency is commendable. In the country today, people are no longer happy because of the way managers of public funds have used them.
“If public resources are being well utilised and people are better for it, we will not have insecurity at the current rate. If you will continue in this manner, there is no office you will go to talk about transparency and accountability and people will shout you down. We will support you”.
On the timely publication of accountant general’s reports, Dr Okoli said, “That shows you how serious this government is in accountability and transparency in governance.
“For somebody to work with Mr Governor, he must be at his best. From time to time, the Governor calls to know the state of the finances. So far, so good. I think the governor is happy with this office.
The account general pledged to support the move aimed at engendering accountability in government. “I thank you for your concern. We must reduce corruption to the barest minimum. Federal service seems better I must say. People found it difficult initially when we came on board, but they are beginning to comport themselves very well in the management of public funds.
“After we came here, EFCC stormed this office for their investigation of the previous administration. That was an eye opener to all of us in whatever we are doing. Everyone must very careful because when they are no longer there, their records will be revisited. It is no longer business as usual under this government,” he said.
The Accountant General however requested the coalition to beam its searchlight on all MDAs. “You can help us further because when people like you follow government spendings, insist on seeing government records, follow government projects, nobody will shout you down. Civil servants will now know that there is an independent body that has its eyes on what they do and they will sit up.
I know that all these lapses cannot be stopped in a day, but definitely, it will come to an end,” he submitted.
