Delta LG Auditor-General Calls For Improved Financial Performances In Local Government Councils

By Temi Boyo

Delta State Auditor-General (AG) for Local Government (LG) Mr. Abitomo Bruno, has called for improved financial record keeping, budgeting and timely transfer of remittances in all the local government councils in the state.

Mr. Bruno made this call during his visit to Warri North Local Government Council at Koko.

The visit which is routine is aimed at updating the office of the AG with the financial responsibilities of the local government councils in state and to enhance the culture of proper financial records keeping.

Addressing the Warri North Council officials, Mr.Bruno allayed the fears of some council officials who viewed his office as enemy of the system, rather as a good partner in progress.

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“The role of the office of the Auditor-General for Local Government Councils is that of a watchdog on the financial and spending behaviour of the 25 Local Government councils in state It is  only those who are not inclined to doing the right things that see the office as an enemy,” he said.

He stated out that the old ways of doing things in the system had changed, warning that any council that refused to heed official instructions from his office would be sanctioned appropriately henceforth.

Mr. Bruno further emphasised the need for a more realistic budgetary cycle, prompt retirement of advances by staff and remittances of deposits, such as payee, pension to relevant quarters.

Other crucial issues discussed included the necessity for local audit committee to advise on audit matters as well as the proper way to go in dealing with  exigencies of extra security votes and supplementary budgeting.

The Warri North Local Council Chairman, Honourable Smart Asekutu, in his response thanked Mr. Bruno  for the visit and assured him of improvement on the issues raised.

Also speaking, the Treasurer of the council, Mr Monday Abeyi, expressed joy over the visit, saying it that would help the council to things aright, just as he promised improved performance in the council.