By: Our Reporter,Calabar
Governor Bassey Edet Otu has charged the newly inaugurated Auditor-General of the State, Mr. Ita Effiong, and Auditor-General for Local Governments, Mr. Bassey Abam Eko, to uphold transparency and accountability in a renewed drive to sanitize the system of financial improprieties.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at the State Executive Council Chambers, Governor’s Office, Calabar, the governor described the offices as critical to strengthening financial discipline and restoring public confidence in governance.
He expressed concern over longstanding challenges in financial management, especially at the local government level, warning that the new appointees were stepping into a system that requires urgent reforms.
“We have very huge issues with the management of finances, especially at the local government level. You are coming in at a time when a lot is expected, and we want to hear a completely different story,” the governor said.
He reminded the auditors-general of the ethical standards guiding their profession, urging them to strictly adhere to laid-down rules and due process in all financial transactions.
The governor cautioned against fiscal indiscipline, noting that the state’s limited resources must be managed prudently and within approved budgetary provisions.
In the same vein, the governor inaugurated Mr. Anthony Asuquo Okon as Permanent Secretary, charging him to bring his wealth of experience to bear in enhancing efficiency and productivity within the state workforce.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated officers, the Auditor-General for Local Governments, Mr. Bassey Abam Eko, assured the governor of their readiness to deliver on the mandate entrusted to them.
“As professionals, we are very clear about the responsibility before us. We will not fail this time. We will perform our duties and ensure the will of the state is carried out,” Eko said.
