Anambra State House of Assembly has identified lack of funding and weak committee system as major limitations of its Public Accounts Committee (PAC), in performing its responsibilities.
Chairman of the committee, Noble Igwe, disclosed this at an Audit Engagement Forum and Accountability Dialogue organised by Office of the State Auditor General, in conjunction with Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI).
Presenting a paper titled: ‘Understanding the Functions of Public Accounts Committee of the State House of Assembly’, the lawmaker listed lack of research report, politicking and lack of integrity in oversight functions as other factors impeding functions of the committee.
“Public Accounts Committee of the state legislature depends heavily on audit report from Auditor General’s office, meaning inappropriate report will undermine the functions of PACs,” he said.
Describing public hearing as critical to ensuring transparency and accountability at Ministries, Department and Agencies, Igwe revealed plans by the legislature to digitise the committee proceedings for live broadcast.
“Public hearing plays a vital role in our functions. Unfortunately, we don’t have allocations for it. But we’ll factor it in the 8th Assembly to ensure it’s given the credence it deserves,” he said.
State Auditor General, Daniel Okeke, reiterated the crucial role of audit work in building public trust and confidence in government financial transactions.
“By maintaining independence, adhering to professional standards and delivering objective and reliable information, we contribute to the stability and growth of organisations and economies around the world,” he said.
The Executive Director, Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI), Olusegun Elemo, said the two-day engagement was targeted at fostering public accountability, spending efficiency, implementation of public policies and ensuring mobilised revenue was properly utilised.
He said the engagement was being carried out in five states, namely Delta, Ekiti, Yobe, Kaduna and Anambra.
He recommended synergy between the Executive, House of Assembly and Office of Auditor General to enact and implement the audit law effectively.
“The Office of the Auditor General and Public Accounts Committee should proactively involve civic and media actors in the audit process, as a way of filing gap of poor participation mechanism,” he stressed.
A civil society activist, Prince Chris Azor, advised that Public Accounts Committee be headed by a lawmaker from the opposition party, to ensure effective implementation of accountability process.