The Lagos State House of Assembly has invited the Ministries, Departments and parastatal Agencies (MDAs) to clear grey areas as contained in the state’s Auditor-General’s 2020 financial report.
The Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts (State), Mr Saka Solaja, made this known when the State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency led by Mr Bisoye Odusote appeared before the committee on Wednesday at the assembly complex.
Solaja said the committee was empowered by Section 125(2) and Section 129(1c) of the 1999 Constitution as amended to invite any MDAs indicted by the state’s Auditor-General.
The lawmaker added that the summons was in relation to its oversight function, related to the auditor-general’s report, promising that the investigation was not a witch-hunt exercise.
Solaja, representing Ikorodu Constituency II, said this exercise was not to witch-hunt any MDAs, but to ensure that the committee’s statutory oversight was used as antidote for financial recklessness by MDAs in the state.
“The aim of the committee is to invite all heads of the indicted MDAs and to seek clarifications regarding the queries raised in the Auditor-General’s report to enhance service delivery in the state.
“The exercise will also ascertain the completion, accuracy and reliability of the financial transactions within the sectors and confirm the level of compliance with the financial regulations.
“This exercise is in relevant legislations and accounting standards and reflect on each sector’s financial performance and position.
“In addition, the committee will confirm the revenue and budget performances of all MDAs.
“It will reconcile the financial records with the Oracle System of the of MDAs and ascertain the project management and control systems of MDAs in Lagos State.
“I urge you to bear in mind that public expectation is high on this administration, as we have been acknowledged as the reference point in probity and accountability in governance by other states in the federation,” he said.
Solaja said the House of Assembly, under the leadership of Mudashiru Obasa, could not afford to disappoint the electorate.
The lawmaker said the present administration was positioned to build and improve on the previous foundations laid for the development of the state.
He assured the public that the findings and recommendations would be compiled and forwarded to the House for deliberations after the exercise.
