Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, on Audit and Anti-Corruption in Anambra State has advocated for the establishment of an anti-corruption commission and passage of other laws to curb corruption in the state.
The group made the call during their advocacy visit to the state Accountant General at the Jerome Udorji secretariat, Awka, Anambra State.
According to them, the move will promote accountability and fiscal transparency towards ensuring value for money in the administration of the state.
Presenting the advocacy brief, the team Lead, Freeman Ugochi, highlighted the prevalence of corruption in Anambra and the negative impact it has had on the development and progress of the state.
“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,” she said.
“At the federal level, we have what we call the treasury portal where every release of the Federal Government is published. We want to see the same thing in Anambra State. The portal will enable citizens to track the implementation of projects as well as hold officials involved accountable,” she added.
Ugochi stressed the importance of enacting a strong audit law that would ensure transparency and accountability in government spending and decision-making.
“When the audit law is passed, it would give the auditors teeth to bite because as it currently stands, auditors lack it and their report falls back to the executive they may have indicted,” she said.
She pointed out the need for effective utilisation and retirement of releases, compliance with state House of Assembly resolution on the Auditor General’s report, and effective implementation of relevant Anti-Corruption laws.
She also identified need to provide support for ANSAC committees at various MDAs and ensuring proactive disclosure of fund release in the state.
Contributing, Executive Director of Civil Rights Concern, Okey Onyeka, commended Soludo’s government for its financial policies, noting that the government has done well in the implementation of key projects and other services in the state.
He maintained that the audit law, when passed, will be crucial and effective for ensuring adequate monitoring, transparency and accountability in governance of the state.
Responding, the Accountant General, Sir Chukwudi Okoli, praised the group and assured them of his support in their mission to ensure Accountability and Transparency in Government funds.
He emphasised that transparency is crucial in identifying a government that prioritises serving its people, citing Governor Chukwuma Soludo as a model of responsible and transparent governance.
Regarding the Anambra State Audit Bill, he acknowledged that its approval is still pending but that efforts were being made to expedite the process. He encouraged the group to engage with other government agencies to ensure proper use of funds and efficient financial management.
