By Jude Michael
Calls for the establishment of an Anti-Corruption Commission and the passage of an Audit Bill are gaining traction in Anambra State, with the coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on Audit and Anti-Corruption in Anambra State, adding to the call.
During an advocacy visit to the state Accountant General, Dr. Chukwudi Okoli, they argued that the Commission and the Audit Bill would enhance the fight against corruption in government.
The visit aimed to promote accountability and fiscal transparency to ensure value for public funds, particularly at a time when the nation faced precarious economic realities.
The leader of the Advocacy Team, Mrs Ugochi Freeman, while presenting the brief, lamented what he termed the prevalence of corruption in government business and its negative impact on progress and development.
She commended the Accountant General for ensuring public disclosure of the yearly Accountant General’s reports, which, she said, promoted accountability and transparency in the management of public finance.
‘We are a coalition of different CSOs working to promote accountability and transparency, particularly in the fiscal space. Our mission is to ensure that public resources are managed efficiently, effectively, and transparently for the benefit of all citizens.
‘By partnering with government institutions like the Ministry of Finance and the Accountant General, we aim to strengthen audit frameworks, enhance public trust, and foster economic growth,’ she stated.
Freeman decried what she called the destructive impact of corruption in the public space in Anambra, noting that it had necessitated the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission.
‘In Anambra, there are numerous projects that were contracted but not executed. The Anti-Corruption Commission, when established, will give the anti-corruption fight a boost and ensure that indicted public officers and private firms are prosecuted,’ she pointed out.
She said that at the federal level, there was the National Open Treasury Portal where every release of the Federal Government was published.
‘We want to see the same thing in Anambra State to enable citizens to track project implementation and hold officials accountable,’ Mrs Freeman added.
According to Freeman, the passage of the State Audit Bill would further promote transparency and accountability in government spending and decision-making processes.
She said they were advocating the speedy passage of the Anambra State Audit Bill, which, she said, had been under review for over two years. She called for speedy follow-up on releases for effective utilization and retirement.
‘We also appeal for compliance with the State House of Assembly resolutions and withholding releases to MDAs not adhering to such resolutions on the Auditor General’s report to ensure value for money,’ Freeman further stated.
While soliciting support for the state Anti-Corruption Committee, timely release of funds for oversight activities, and strengthening internal compliance mechanisms, the Coalition leader stressed the need for proactive disclosure by the Office of the Accountant General.
‘We request real-time disclosure of capital project releases in a readable format for effective budget monitoring and tracking,’ she said.
In his remarks, a member of the team and Executive Director of Civil Rights Concern, Mr Okay Onyeka, commended Governor Soludo’s administration for its financial policies, noting that the government had done well in the implementation of key projects and other services in the state.
He however stated that the Audit Bill, when passed into law, would be crucial and effective for ensuring adequate monitoring, transparency, and accountability in the governance of the state.
Responding, the Accountant General, Dr. Okoli, said there had been greater transparency in government business and operations under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, as public funds, according to him, were now being used in the interest of the people.
He extolled what he described as the patriotism exhibited by members of the coalition with a promise to support them in the quest for accountability and transparency in the utilization of public resources.
‘Having a team like yours that is very much concerned about government transparency is commendable. In the country today, people are no longer happy because of the way managers of public funds have used them.
‘If public resources are being well-utilized and people are better for it, we will not have insecurity at the current rate. If you continue in this manner, there is no office you will go to talk about transparency and accountability where people will shout you down. We will support you,’ he assured.
On the timely publication of the Accountant General’s reports, Dr. Okoli said it showed you how serious the government was about accountability and transparency in governance.
‘For someone to work with Mr. Governor, he must be at his best. From time to time, the Governor calls to know the state of the finances. So far, so good. I think the governor is happy with this office,’ he enthused.
The Accountant General pledged to support the move aimed at promoting accountability in government.
‘I thank you for your concern. We must reduce corruption to the barest minimum. Federal service seems better, I must say. People found it difficult initially when we came on board, but they are beginning to comport themselves very well in the management of public funds.
‘After we came here, the EFCC stormed this office for their investigation of the previous administration. That was an eye-opener for all of us in whatever we are doing. Everyone must be very careful because when they are no longer there, their records will be revisited. It is no longer business as usual under this government,’ he warned.
The Accountant General however requested the coalition to focus its scrutiny on all MDAs. ‘You can help us further because when people like you follow government spending, insist on seeing government records, and track government projects, nobody will shout you down. Civil servants will now know that there is an independent body watching what they do and they will sit up.
‘I know that all these lapses cannot be stopped in a day, but definitely, it will come to an end,’ he added.
