The House of Representatives has directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to appoint a substantive Auditor-General for the area councils without further delay.
This decision aligns with legal provisions and is aimed at ensuring financial transparency and accountability within the FCT administration.
The resolution was passed during a Public Accounts Committee session on Tuesday, where lawmakers expressed concerns over the prolonged absence of a substantive Auditor-General.
It was noted that this vacancy had stalled the signing and transmission of crucial audited financial reports, as required by the constitution.
During the session, the Acting Auditor-General for the Area Councils, Abdullahi Ibn Salihu, presented updates on financial records before the committee.
However, Committee Chairman Bamidele Salam stressed the urgency of filling the position, recalling a similar delay in appointing an Auditor-General for the Federation.
“Colleagues, I think we should also step into this.
When we resumed in October 2023, the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation was vacant for about two years,” Salam stated.
He further explained that persistent advocacy led to the eventual appointment of a substantive Auditor-General, emphasizing that the same approach might be necessary in the FCT case.
If the appointment continues to be delayed, Salam suggested that the House may need to summon Wike to explain the reasons behind the inaction.
A motion urging immediate action was introduced by Obordor Mitema and seconded by Usman Bala, receiving unanimous support from committee members.
Addressing concerns about financial mismanagement within the area councils, Acting Auditor-General Salihu pointed out that most financial irregularities stemmed from previous administrations.
He has only held the acting position for six months, and some of the reported violations date back to earlier years.
Among the key issues identified were the failure to submit audited financial reports for 2023-2024, non-remittance of pension deductions to the Pension Commission (PENCOM), and a lack of transparency in presenting available audit reports to the committee.
Lawmaker Billy Osawaru stressed the need for strict enforcement of financial laws, stating,
“This kind of financial recklessness must not be allowed to continue. The laws guiding financial audits must be strictly adhered to.”
To ensure a comprehensive review, the committee set up a five-member sub-committee, led by Tochukwu Okere, to investigate the infractions and recommend appropriate measures.
Other members include Ajiya Abdulrahman, Mandara Usman, Mauruff Adebayo, and Mohammed Bargaja.
While Salihu currently fits into the role, lawmakers insist on ensuring that whoever assumes the position must be capable of fulfilling their duties effectively.
