Edo State government re-enacted the State Audit Law to deepen accountability and transparency and make government agencies accountable for public resources, Governor Godwin Obaseki said at the weekend.
The Governor who spoke at the inauguration of a five-man Audit Service Commission, in Government House, Benin City, said the audit laws in the state in the past did not achieve the desired goals.
“Edo State Public Law 2019 which was re-enacted in 2021 provides for the establishment of the Edo State Audit Service Commission and the Office of the Auditor General of Edo State.
“This law is an outcome of an exercise supported by the World Bank to further deepen accountability and transparency in the way we run government functions and institutions. You have been chosen based on your experience and knowledge of the workings of government institutions and agencies to come and play this role.”
He noted that “we expect that the foundation members of this commission are going to be setting the pathway for the future of this commission. The standard you set today will determine the progress we make in putting in place what is required to make sure that government agencies account for financial resources given to them.
“Your function is critical as it reminds the people that whatever they do, they must account for the task. We had Audit laws in the past which did not achieve and accomplish the desired goals. This was why the laws had to be re-enacted and stronger positions put into the law to provide for an independent commission set up to ensure that not even the governor can stop your work.”
The governor urged members of the Audit Service Commission not to abuse powers but use them responsibly to the benefit of the Edo State Government and the people of the state.
The Chairman of the Audit Service Commission, Emmanuel Osaretin Omozuhiomwen, assured that members of the commission will deliver on their mandate, adding that the setting up of the commission is another bold step by the Obaseki-led administration to demonstrate open governance, high standards of accountability and transparency in the deployment of public resources.
