WATCHING THE WATCHER – Hon Barr Cosmos Atabor.
June 28th 2021,
Public hearing at the Kogi State House of Assembly on A Law to repeal and re-enact the Kogi State Audit Law 2018 and other matters connected therewith, 2021
And local Government Audit Law 2020 and other matters therewith 2021 respectively both submitted by the state Auditor-General Alhaji Yakubu Okala
In his memo, the state Auditor-General Alhaji Yakubu Okala reminded the house and guest the need for checks and balancing since Government incur huge expenditures using public funds at their disposal in other to meet her constitutional obligation of the citizenry,
It will be recalled that in 2018, Kogi State took a leading proactive steps and enacted Kogi State public law and in the year 2020, the local government law to empower and reposition the office of the state Auditor-General to be able to perform their constitutional duties more effectively and to provide the state House of Assembly the most needed information for purpose of their oversight functions in an efficient and timely manner.
A lot of areas were highlighted for amendment, the areas which includes Functions, Powers, Financial and Organization Autonomy, Appointment/tenure/immunity, Clear Mandates and Adequate Powers to carry out it function, etc.
The bill submitted by the state Auditor-General Alhaji Yakubu Okala also suggested that the House of Assembly should annually provide an independent Auditor, to to carry out a holistic Audit of the state Auditor-General office and that of the Local Government,
Alhaji Okala enjoyed the Committee headed by Hon Barrister Cosmos Atabor Chairman House Committee on Judiciary and Public hearing That if the law is passed , it stand to complement the efforts of the Executive Governor, His Excellency Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s bid in entrenching good governance/accountability in the management of public resources in the State.
Honourable Prince Collins Musa. Member representing Omala and the member representing the good people of Ibaji LGA were part of the Committee members present at the chambers.
In his reading, Hon Cosmos Atabor tagged the bill presented by the State Auditor-General as “Watching the Watcher” and promised that the House will do the needful.
The floor was later opened for contributions,
A Public Finance Management Expert and one time Executive Secretary West Africa Association of Public Account Committee, Mr Benjamin Ekeyi, light up the chambers with his wonderful points why the bill should be passed.