By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State House of Assembly on Tuesday commenced public sitting on the consideration of the reports of the Auditor- General for Local Governments on the audited accounts of the eighteen Local Governments of the State for 2020-2021.

The program which would run for three days began yesterday with six local governments who were questioned by the House Committee on Public Accounts for clarification.

Declaring the sitting open, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun revealed that it was important to ensure local Governments account are accurate in conformity with the extant law.

He further stressed that the public sitting is significant as it is going to be the last in the annals of history of the ninth Assembly.

Oleyelogun appreciated the public accounts Committee for a job well done, especially in the aspect of clearing backlog of both State and local government Auditor-general’s reports commended the Auditor-General for always complying with the provisions of the law in terms of prompt submission of report to the parliament.

He attested that the collective work is in the interest of the State which will continue to promote transparency, accountability and good governance.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Festus Adefiranye stated that the essence of the programme is to confirm the audit process, stressing that it is not to witc-hunt or serve as vendetta but to ensure financial discipline.

He applauded the Auditor-General and the Heads of Local Governments Administration for the remarkable improvement in the conduct of government business and the reasonable reduction in the level of infractions recorded.

He stressed that the House will not hesitate to sanction any local government who is viewed as a cog in the wheel of progress of the Committee.

In his remarks,the Auditor General for Local Government, Mr Francis Adaramola averred that financial management process is key to effective service delivery.

He urged the Management of Local Governments to continue to do what is expected of them by cooperating with the audit to achieve the set goal.

Adaramola commended the leadership of the House and the Committee for its support over the years and for doing a great job on the reports to ensure that the 9th Assembly is not leaving any backlog as it wind down soon.