The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly’s Committee on Public Accounts has entered its third day of hearings on the 2023 Budget Audit Reports. The committee, chaired by Hon. Eric Akpan, is taking proactive measures to ensure accountability and transparency in the state’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The audit report has raised concerns over the MDAs’ inability to prepare vouchers, improper accounting and record-keeping, and default in expenditures. The committee is determined to get to the bottom of these issues and ensure that taxpayers’ money is judiciously and prudently expended.
Hon. Eric Akpan emphasized the committee’s commitment to its oversight functions, urging MDAs to practice proper accounting and record-keeping. He also assured that the committee is not out to witch-hunt any government parastatals but to ensure that due process is followed.
Seven MDAs were present at the hearing, with members of the Public Accounts Committee in attendance and a brief appearance by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem, who thanked the committee for their proactiveness while stating the importance of the audit report hearing to booster accountability and transparency in all MDA’s.
The budget audit report and evaluation of MDAs is a critical oversight exercise aimed at addressing impediments raised on the audited 2023 budget. As the committee continues its hearings, it is clear that they are taking a firm stance on accountability and transparency in the state’s financial management.
