..…Defaulters warned to appear or face sanctions
By Tolulope Eniola
The Ondo State House of Assembly Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has received commendation from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) over its ongoing public hearing on the Auditor-General’s reports, as the exercise enters a critical stage.
The audit review, which began over three weeks ago, forms part of the Assembly’s constitutional oversight on the Auditor-General’s reports covering 2021 to 2023. Several MDAs have appeared before the committee to respond to audit queries and provide clarifications on their financial records.
Chairman of the Committee and House Parliamentary Secretary, Hon. Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, expressed concern over the absence of some agencies that failed to honour invitations without prior notice.
He listed affected agencies to include the Football Development Agency, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Pension Transitional Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital and the Agency Against Gender-Based Violence.
Ogunwumiju directed the affected agencies to appear before the committee on the next sitting day, described as the final day of the exercise, warning that failure to comply would attract sanctions in line with legislative provisions.
He reiterated the committee’s commitment to ensuring a thorough and transparent scrutiny of public accounts, noting that the exercise is aimed at strengthening financial discipline and improving accountability in government operations.
He added that the committee remains focused on achieving lasting institutional reforms rather than apportioning blame.
The chairman also commended MDAs that had honoured invitations, urging others yet to appear to approach the process with sincerity and openness in addressing audit observations.
Other lawmakers present at the hearing, including the Vice Chairman, Hon. Stephen Abitogun, alongside Dr Chris Ogunlana, Hon. Sulaiman Murtala, Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa, Hon. Tope Agbulu and Hon. Afe Felix, reaffirmed their commitment to promoting accountability and strengthening financial management systems across government institutions.
Meanwhile, representatives of various MDAs who appeared before the committee described the exercise as insightful, corrective and impactful.
They praised the committee for its professionalism, fairness and for creating an atmosphere that encourages accountability without intimidation.
Some accounting officers noted that the process has helped them address longstanding audit issues within their establishments, while also improving internal controls and record-keeping practices.
Stakeholders present at the hearing, including officials from the State Auditor-General’s office, also lauded the committee’s approach, describing it as a model for effective legislative oversight and constructive engagement with government agencies.
The Public Accounts Committee, however, reaffirmed its determination to conclude the exercise successfully, clear outstanding audit queries and contribute meaningfully to improved financial management across MDAs in Ondo State.
Discover more from Trace News Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
