Delta State Auditor-General for Local Government, Mr Ebitomo Bruno, in continuation of his official visit to council areas in the state, yesterday paid an official visit to Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area, with a message that his office is in partnership with the third tier of government for progress.
Ebitomo, who was received with his team, by The Executive chairman of Warri North Council, Captain Smart Yomi Asekutu, in his office at the council secretariat in Koko, stressed that the AG’s office should not be seen as enemy or antagonistic, adding that it is in partnership with the councils for the progress of the system.
According to him, although his official mandate is to monitor the financial activities of the 25 local government councils in the state, it is in the overall interest and progress of the third tier system.
Emphasizing areas of interest in the monitoring exercise, the AG underscored financial records with regards to budget and expenditure, adding that they should be “properly processed, documented and forwarded to his office in Asaba in due time.”
He also stressed the “importance of financial record book-keeping and timely update on general financial budgeting and sundry matters.”
The AG also stressed the need for a more realistic budgetary cycle backed by “cash prompt retirement of advances obtained by staff, prompt remittances of deposit to appropriate agencies (the payee system and other deductions made), the setting up of Audit Committee at each local government council to assist in audit matters, as well as the ideal process towards obtaining extra Security Votes when the need arises.”
Responding, Asekutu, thanked the Auditor-General for the visit, assuring him of his effort to ensure that the expectations of the AG were met in no time.
He commended the Auditor-General for his advice, adding that indeed, the council would always be ready to cooperate with the office to achieve progress at the council level.
“I feel very glad for your visit to our council today. Your discussion and emphasis on relevant financial activities of the council is quite refreshing and educative.
“We shall keep doing our best to ensure we comply with all necessary rules to ensure that we are not found wanting in any area of our administration,” he said.
Also speaking on the occasion, the Treasurer to the council, Mr Monday Agbeyi, expressed appreciation to the council’s auditor-general, assuring him that Warri North Local Government Council was trying its best in financial record date.
He further assured the AG that Warri North Council would continue to strive to meet the expectations of the office of the Auditor-General of Local Government.
“Your discussion is quite refreshing and down-to-earth. We shall continue to do our best not to disappoint your office sir,” he said.
Among officials who accompanied the Auditor-General on the visit were Mr. Ukpaka I, Deputy Auditor-General; Mr. Saramo Victor, Director in charge of the zone; Mr Ese Justin, Resident Auditor, Warri North Local Govt Council and Mr. Ugolo Augustine, Assistant Resident Auditor, Warri North Local Government Area.
With the council chairman to receive the AG were Mr Samuel Meyiwa Khalil, Secretary to Warri North Local Government; Miss Gladys Taylor, Supervisor for Environment and Mr Tuoyo Tesola, who represented the H.o.D Works, among others.
