Annual Conference Of Auditor General’s Held In Owerri. Not less than 80 Auditors drawn from the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory stormed Owerri, the Imo State Capital to participate in the 20th Annual Conference of Auditor General’s for the Local Governments in the federation. Addressing the Participants, Governor Okorocha represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Antony Anwuka charged Auditor General of Local Governments to do their job accordingly to save the country from financial recklessness. He recalled that for the past few months all the Conferences that worth their Salt had found their home in Imo State and attributed it to the conducive environment created by the present administration. The Governor noted that in past 12 years of PDP administration, people shied away from the State because of insecurity and all forms of Criminalities, and expressed happiness that such were no more due to his focused leadership. He enjoined them to use their position to expose fraud and waste of Public fund by Public Office holders, pointing out that the Rescue Mission Government in the State through prudent use of State fund has turned Imo State around. However, the Auditor General of the federation, Mr. Samuel Okwughara represented by the resident Auditor General, Imo State Office, Mr. Onyema Jide said Imo State organized the annual Conference to brain storm on the challenges confronting the Audit job in the country in order to ensure transparency and accountability in the Governance of the Local Government Councils in the Country, adding that the forum provided a platform to consider common approach towards advancing the Principles of integrity, transparency and accountability, professionalism and entrench best practices in the Audit mandate. He said the Auditors are Watch Dogs which secure public accounts, adding that Auditor General for Local Governments watch over Local Government Pension Board, Local Government Training Fund and all Officers of the Local Government of the State. However, in an address of welcome, the Auditor General for Local Governments in the State and the host, Mr. Ruben Nwosu said the theme of the Conference which is, “Transparency, Accountability and Probity in the Administration of Local Government Finance, the role of the Auditor”, captured the mood of the country on the need to entrench greater transparency and best practices in the Local Government Councils in the country. Bar Nwosu commended the National Assembly for the inclusion of the National Service Commission and Office of the Auditor General for Local Governments in the current amendment to the 1999 Constitution, adding that auditing was essential in any organization as it ensures that Public funds are effectively and efficiently used. He noted that it is part of Governance, without which the System cannot function well, adding that it guarantees that there is prudence, transparency and accountability in Governance. Mr. Nwosu pointed out that an Auditor ought to be independent while carrying out his duties. In his own contributions, the Chairman of the Conference of Auditor General in the Country, Pastor Basy Umo thanked the Governor for approving the request for the event to be held in the State, and enjoined both the federal and State Government Agencies to always cooperate with Auditors for proper documentation. He stressed that without Auditing Government cannot function well as it will guarantee prudence. Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of the Conference, Mr. Felix Bakura said he appreciated the tremendous transformation which has taken place under Governor Okorocha and called for replication of Ochie Dike Dialysis and Diagnostic Center as well as the Freedom Square at the national level. He described the Conference as timely, stressing that it gives room to discuss experiences, share ideas as well as give advice on the problems facing the job. He said that it is a very important segment of the Society because everything man does needs to be investigated to find a reasonable end to the means. The highlights of the occasion which was attended by top Government official, was Paper presentation, Music entertainment by Imo State Government House Band.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Nov 2014 21:19:10 +0000