In a bid to check probity and accountablity in Local Government administration as provided in the 1999 (amended) Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Public Account (Local) has commenced an Audit Exercise for all the 20 Local Government Areas, LGAs and 37 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs in the State.
Stating the essence of the exercise, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Mojeed Fatai, explained that the Committee would go through the 2019 report of the Auditor General without fear or favour to any local council indicted by the officials of the Auditor General and the Committee has power to summon any person to give evidence at any place or produce any document or other things in his possession or under his control.
Emphasising its consonance with the need for effective and best practices in the pursuit of its statutory objectives as mandated by the Committee to carry out this exercise without bias and with conformity with the standard best practises.
He added that letters have been sent to all the 20 LGAs & 37LCDAs and are expected to come with copies of approved budget for Y2017 and Y2020, analysis of payment made to non pensionable staff in Y2017-Y2019.
Other relevant documents to be provided are analysis of recurrent expenditure from June- December 2017- 2020, Bank Statements of accounts as at 31st December 2018 and all outstanding queries in 2019 statutory report. He maintained.
Officials expected at the exercise are the Chairman of each Local Government, the Vice Chairman, Leader of the Council, Exco Members, Council Managers, Council Treasurers and Head of Departments.
The exercise is expected to run through a week including Saturday and the Committee is expected to submit its report on the floor of the House later in the month.
