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Tag: Auditor-General

  • Osun gov, Adeleke appoints new Auditor-General

    Osun gov, Adeleke appoints new Auditor-General

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has sent a letter to the state House of Assembly seeking confirmation of Mr Isiaq Awotunde as the new Auditor-General for Local Government.

    Speaker of the assembly, Mr Adewale Egbedun, made this known while reading the letter at the plenary on Tuesday in Osogbo.

    Egbedun said that the appointment of the new auditor- general was sequel to the impending retirement of the incumbent, Mr Emmanuel Kolapo.

    He directed Awotunde to submit copies of his curriculum vitae and other relevant certificates to the assembly on or before May 2 and appear for screening on May 7.

    In another development, the speaker introduced and read a private member-sponsored bill, entitled: ‘Public Political Office Holders Enumeration Package 2024’.

    The bill, according to him, seeks to improve the welfare and conditions of political office holders in the state and ease hardship generally for public office holders.

    The lawmakers also adopted the report of the House Committee on Youth Sports and Special Needs on Discrimination against People Living with Disabilities 2024.

    The report was presented by Chairman of the committee, Jeremiah Awoyeye, representing Ife Central State Constituency.

  • Benue gov, Alia appoints new auditor general

    Benue gov, Alia appoints new auditor general

    Gov. Hyacinth Alia of  Benue has approved the appointment of Mr Emmanuel Aboh as the new Auditor General of the State.

    This is contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mr Tersoo Kula in Makurdi on Friday.

    Aboh, before his appointment was the Director of Audit in the Office of the State Auditor-General since 2015.

    The appointment takes immediate effect.

    He said the governor directed that all files and documents belonging to the office should be handed over to the new Auditor.

    Aboh holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting, Masters in Business Administration and Master of Science Degree in Development Studies.

    He is a Member of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Associate Member, Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (ITN), and a Member, Institute of Development Administration of Nigeria.

  • Role of auditors place them as ‘watchdogs or gatekeepers’ – Lagos Auditor-General

    Role of auditors place them as ‘watchdogs or gatekeepers’ – Lagos Auditor-General

    The  Auditor-General, Lagos State, Mr Moshood Adewuyi on Tuesday, described the role of auditors as watchdogs and gatekeepers.

    He charged the Head of Internal Audits in Nigerian universities to embrace principles of good governance, accountability, and transparency to improve their respective institutions.

    Adewuyi gave the advice at the 36th National Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Committee of Head of Internal Audits Departments/Units In Nigerian Universities (CHIADINU), held at the Lagos State University (LASU) in Lagos.

    The Auditor-General was represented by Ms Olufunmilola Coker, Head, Internal Audit, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) at the conference.

    The theme of the conference is “Governance, Risk Management and Compliance : Issues and Insights For University Internal Auditors”.

    He stated that the role of internal auditors cannot be overemphasised in any private or public organisation, noting, “they are indispensable in ensuring compliance with extant financial rules and regulations”.

    Adewuyi said this compliance allows the internalisation of processes and procedures in the application of resources.

    “The role of auditors put them as ‘watchdogs or gatekeepers’ because they ensure proper documentations, examination of books and records, monitoring the use of resources in accordance with pre-determined financial plans, and safety of organisational assets.

    “Our roles are essential to the growth and development of the respective universities where we work, and especially in situations where resources are limited and where value for money is expected,” he added.

    According to him, the auditors must embrace effective organisational risk management and mechanisms established to ensure adherence.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu appoints new Auditor-General

    BREAKING: Tinubu appoints new Auditor-General

    President Bola Tinubu on Friday approved the appointment of Mr. Shaakaa Chira as the substantive Auditor-General of the Federation, as recommended by the Federal Civil Service Commission.

    Tinubu approved Mr. Chira’s appointment after the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) conducted a screening exercise that identified Mr. Chira as the most qualified candidate who had also scored the highest in the examination amongst all qualified candidates for the office.

    In a statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President said  Tinubu expects the new Auditor-General to justify the confidence reposed in him and to live up to the high expectations that Nigerians have concerning the execution of the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.

     

  • Senate queries lack of substantive Auditor-General for Federation

    Senate queries lack of substantive Auditor-General for Federation

    The Senate Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) has queried the absence of a substantive Auditor-General of the Federation in the last few years.

    The Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Ahmed Wadada (SDP-Nasarawa State) made this known during the Committee’s inaugural meeting held on Friday.

    While stating the effort so far made to ensure that a substantive Auditor-General of the Federation is in place, Wadada said that the acting auditor-general of the federation, who is a director in the office had been invited by the committee.

    Wadada said, “On assumption of office as chairman, I directed the Clerk of the Committee to invite the acting auditor-general of the federation and the Executive Secretary of NEITI.

    “On the arrival of the auditor-general of the federation, I got to understand that he was not even the acting-auditor general of the federation but a director in charge, which of course, clearly shows that Nigeria does not have an auditor-general.

    “That is why the Auditor-General’s Report for 2020, at the moment, is ready but he cannot append his signature on it because he is not a substantive auditor-general, neither a fully, formal acting auditor-general.”

    Wadada explained that the situation made him to write to the President earlier to intimate him about the challenge at hand, adding that unless that was resolved, they may not be able to go beyond considering the 2019 Auditor-General’s Report.

    “If we cannot go beyond this, that means that the committee will be handicapped to really discharge or achieve the set objectives which is fundamentally about ensuring accountability and transparency,” he said.

    He further raised concerns as to why the Auditor-General’s Annual Reports were sent to the Senate late.

    “We have taken the acting auditor-general on this and the key thing he said was that most of the MDAs do not, at various times,  present what they should have presented to his office. That is why the reports usually come in arrears.

    “As a committee, we shall not entertain that at all,” he said.

    Wadada further said that the Committee would embark on status inquiry into the financial operations of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    This, he said was to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of the public accounts of the federation in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution, Senate Standing Orders, and extant laws.

    Also speaking, Sen. Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo) expressed dismay over the delay in submitting the Auditor-General’s Annual Report as and when to do.

    “The auditor-general’s annual report, why it cannot come as and when do is because on the account given to us by the Clerk of this Committee, the 9th Senate had considered 2016, 2017, and 2018.

    “Why is it not coming at the time it is supposed to come? Is there any reason that the auditor-general’s annual report shouldn’t come at the time it’s supposed to come? So why will it be in arrears?” Izunaso asked.

  • Sen. Wadada seeks appointment of Auditor General

    Sen. Wadada seeks appointment of Auditor General

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Sen. Ahmed Wadada, has advised President Bola Tinubu to appoint an Auditor General of the Federation in compliance with the Section 86 of the 1999 Constitution.

    Wadada (SDP-Nasarawa West) said this in a letter to Tinubu, made available on Sunday in Abuja.

    He noted that the absence of the Auditor-General of the Federation leaves the Government susceptible to mismanagement, lack of accountability and transparency.

    The lawmaker expressed concern that the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, which is the apex audit Institution of the country, had been without a substantive Auditor-General for the last 10 months.

    ” This will affect strict adherence to Accounting Standards and the Annual Reports of the Auditor-General on the accounts of the Federation of Nigeria Agencies and Ministries, Agencies, Departments (MDAs) cannot be efficiently transmitted.

    ” Thereby impending the necessary checks and balances integral to the functions of the National Assemblies Committees responsible for Public Accounts.

    ” Therefore, it is very imperative for President Tinubu to heed to my advice in the interest of the country, as the absence of the Auditor-General could affect the efforts of our government in the fight against corruption and enhancing transparency and accountability in governance.”

    Wadada emphasised that appointing a substantive Auditor-General would strengthen the Federal Government’s commitment to fiscal responsibilities and safeguard public trust.

    He pointed out that the Audit Reports of 2020, 2021 and 2022 are yet to be transmitted in accordance with section 85 (2) of the 1999 Constitution as a result of the non appointment of an Auditor General.

  • Sanwo-Olu writes Lagos Assembly, seeks Adewale as substantive Auditor-General

    Sanwo-Olu writes Lagos Assembly, seeks Adewale as substantive Auditor-General

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has received a letter from Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to confirm Mr Adewuyi Adewale as the substantive Auditor-General of the state.

    The Clerk, Mr Lekan Onafeko, read Sanwo-Olu’s letter requesting confirmation of the nominee at the plenary presided by the Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa in Lagos on Thursday.

    On May 18, the governor appointed Mr Adewuyi Adewale as Permanent Secretary and Auditor General of the state in acting capacity.

    The governor noted that his appointment was, however, subject to the clearance and confirmation by the House of Assembly.

    Sanwo-Olu stated in the letter that the confirmation request to the House was in accordance with the provisions of constitution.

    The clerk explained that the nominee would be screened and confirmed by the lawmakers.

  • Group asks FG to halt appointment of new Auditor General

    Group asks FG to halt appointment of new Auditor General

    …wants process left for incoming admin

    …says process enmeshed with corruption, illegalities

    President Muhammadu Buhari has been advised to stop the process for the appointment of a new Auditor General for the Federation (AuGF) and instead allow the incoming government of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu to conclude the process.

    National convener of a non-governmental organisation, Defenders of Constitutional Democracy (DCD), Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi and the Director of Contact and Mobilisation, Dr. Chukwuma Okoro gave the advice in a statement made available to news men in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The group alleged that there was a desperate move by some elements in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and the Civil Service Commission, FCSC, to sideline senior directors and appoint a junior officer as the Auditor General of the Federation.

    According to the statement, “We are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to order for the suspension of the process for the appointment of a new Auditor General of the Federation and allow the government of his successor to do due diligence in the exercise. The present process is riddled with corruption and illegalities and must not be allowed to stand.

    “Recall that the process began in August 2022 with seven directors shortlisted and the screening done but along the line, the order of seniority was altered in the Office of the Head of Service. Surprisingly, the process was abandoned for unknown reasons and a fresh one was initiated in March 2023, where the most senior directors were excluded.

    ” And we have it on good authority that there are plans to appoint an officer who is not among the most senior Directors before the expiration of this administration.

    “We call on the Head of Service Mrs Folasade Esan to as a matter of urgency reinstate the original seniority list and discard the ongoing arrangement in order to avoid attracting a lawsuit. failure to abide by this subtle call, we will have no option than to seek redress in court”.

    Alhaji Abdullahi contended that the DCD is “Concerned because there seems to be a grand plan to scheme out some people, especially the two women who were part of the initial seven that were shortlisted and screened for the job. Mr. President, you have an obsession with due process and the rule of law and therefore urge you to without delay intervene to save this important office from unnecessary controversies.

    “We wish to notify you that instead of an acting or substantive Auditor General, the Head of Service introduced an alien practice of appointing an Overseeing Director. This is an aberration to the Civil Service Rules. Surprisingly, the so-called Overseeing Director has been in that position for over 10 months now.

    “And because the position is not known to the constitution, the Overseeing Director cannot sign AuGF Annual Reports hence as we speak, there is a backlog of the Reports for two years. The Office of the Auditor General of the Federation is too important to be toyed with by some unpatriotic and corrupt public servants. This process must not continue”, the group warned.

    END

  • BREAKING: Auditor General jailed 5 years for fraud

    BREAKING: Auditor General jailed 5 years for fraud

    The Auditor General for Local Government, Yobe State, Alhaji Idris Yahaya has been jailed for fraud by the Yobe State High Court.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Alhaji Yahaya was prosecuted by the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Yahaya is to spend five years in prison, following his conviction on Monday by Justice Muhammad Lawu Lawan of the Yobe State High Court.

    He was convicted after being pronounced guilty of a one count of criminal misappropriation to the tune of N19.9 million preferred against him by the EFCC.

    Yahaya was said to have received funds from the Office of the Auditor General for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Yobe State, for the purchase of an official vehicle, a 2015 Toyota Corolla, and diverted part of the money to his personal use.

    The  one count charge reads: ”That you, Yahaya Lawal Idris, being the Auditor General for Local Government, Yobe State, between the 20th to 21st day of May, 2017 at Damaturu, Yobe State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, received the sum of N19,900,000.00 via your personal account number 1001480930 with account name Alhaji Yahaya Idris domiciled in United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) from the Local Government Audit Account Number 5030030060 domiciled in Fidelity Bank Plc for the purchase of a brand new Toyota Corolla 2015 Model, did dishonestly misappropriated the gross sum of N10,100,000.00 (Ten Million, One Hundred Thousand Naira) only.”

    The convict who was first arraigned on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, had pleaded not guilty to the charges, setting the stage for his full trial.

    In the course of the trial, counsel for the EFCC, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed called four witnesses and tendered documents which were admitted in evidence.

    Delivering judgment today, Justice Lawan held that the prosecution has proved the case against the defendant and convicted him as charged.

    He consequently sentenced him to 5 years imprisonment with an option of fine.

    The Judge further directed the convict to pay the sum of N10.1 million  in restitution to Yobe State Government through the EFCC or serve additional two years in prison.

  • Onwuduli appointed Auditor-General as Aghughu retires

    Onwuduli appointed Auditor-General as Aghughu retires

    The Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (OAuGF) has announced the appointment of Mr Andrew Onwudili as the new Acting AuGF.

    This is according to a statement by Ema Oqua, Head of Press Unit of the OAuGF.

    Oqua said that Onwudili, a director in the OAuGF, and a Fellow of the Association of National Accountants (ANAN) replaced erstwhile AuGF, Adolphus Aghughu who retired from public service on Sept. 7.

    She described the Acting AuGF as a thoroughbred, result-oriented public servant with over 30 years professional experience in audit.

    ” He joined the federal civil service as a senior auditor and has progressed in his career to becoming Director of Audit, Extra-Ministerial Audit Department in the OAuGF before his appointment.

    “He attended many courses and in-service trainings locally and abroad which have broadened his professional horizon and refined his competence.

    “He has memberships of professional bodies like, Fellow, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, among others,” she said.

    Meanwhile, a letter from the Federal Civil Service Commission, dated Sept.
    7, directed Onwudili, who is the most senior director, to oversee the office until the appointment of a substantive AuGF.

    The OAuGF is saddled with the responsibility of auditing public accounts of the federation and of all offices and courts of the federation.

    According to the Nigerian Constitution, the AuGF or any person authorised by him on that behalf shall have access to all the books, records, returns and other documents relating to those accounts.

    This implies that the Constitution of Nigeria has given the OAuGF the authority to carry out audit of all income and expenditure of the Federal Government of Nigeria.