The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts has issued a stern warning to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state for failing to comply with established financial regulations.
The committee chairperson, Eric Akpan, made the statement during the ongoing hearings on the 2023 Budget Audit Report submitted by the Office of the Auditor General.
Speaking in Uyo on Sunday, Akpan expressed concern over weak internal controls in several agencies, which he said posed significant risks of financial mismanagement and fraud.
“Government revenues should not be treated and expended as personal funds. There must be proper documentation to account for expenditures,” Akpan said.
“My committee will do all in its power to recover all misappropriated funds back to government coffers.”
Akpan stressed the need for MDAs to maintain accurate records and adhere strictly to financial protocols, emphasizing that these measures are essential to building public trust in government operations.
He also warned that erring MDAs would be held accountable moving forward.
“We are committed to ensuring that all government agencies adhere to the highest standards of financial management,” he said.
“By holding defaulting MDAs accountable and implementing stringent oversight measures, we aim to restore and maintain citizens’ confidence in the government’s financial integrity.”
The hearings, now in their fourth day, have revealed several instances of non-compliance with financial regulations, leading to discrepancies in budget allocations across the state.
The 2023 Budget Audit Report also noted cases of incomplete or missing documentation, undermining the credibility of financial reporting by the agencies involved.
During Sunday’s session, representatives from 20 MDAs appeared before the committee to provide explanations for their financial activities in the 2023 fiscal year.
The proceedings underscored the State House of Assembly’s commitment to enforcing accountability, transparency, and adherence to good governance principles.
The committee vowed to continue its efforts to recover mismanaged funds and ensure MDAs comply with financial standards, marking a significant step towards strengthening financial integrity in government operations.
