... holds interaction with heads of MDA's IGR, Finance, State Treasury, Eco Dev
...as Committee Chairman commends Udom for transparency, prudent management of resources
By MFONOBONG Ukpong
Inline with the oversight functions of the legislature the House of Assembly Committee on Appropriation and Finance, tuesday held an interactive session with heads of Ministries, department and agencies of government saddled with the responsibility of collecting, managing and disbursing and allocation of state's resources with a view of ascertaining the performance index of the 2016 budget as it enters the third quarter of the year.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh while thanking the heads of MDA's and other other invited stakeholders for honouring the invitation of the Committee, said the House of Assembly was aware of the current situation in the country which has affected the state, saying the lawmakers were poised at ensuring that Governor Udom Emmanuel succeeds in his development programmes and projects.
The Esit-Eket/Ibeno representative praised governor for showing transparency and accountability in the running of government."This government has shown transparency and accountability in the running of financial transaction. it shows that the government is in the right direction in showing accountability"
He explained that the exercise was not a witch-hunt, but that it was part of the oversight responsibility of the legislature over the executive arm. The committee Chairman said the invitation extended to the heads of MDA's by the committee was for the purpose of knowing the actual financial status of the state including actual revenue profile from both internally generated sources, statutory, derivation and other sources, as well as budget performance, and how funds were being expended.
Hon. Usoro expressed satisfaction with the way government was handling financial transaction, noting that the interaction would be a regular exercise.
The heads of MDA's took time brief the lawmakers on the progress report of the activities of their various offices and as well as the challenges they were facing in the course of meeting their set target.
Pastor Ekarika informed the committee that Akwa Ibom State had commenced the implementation of Treasury single Account, TSA policy and e-receipt regime.
He however explained that the e-receipt payment had to be relaxed for the judiciary arm, following some challenges that were observed, adding that following series of complaints and outcry by the NBA, the state revenue consultant was asked to produce a special receipt in order to allow for smooth dispensation justice.
Other members of the committee present during the interaction include, Deputy Chairman, Rt. Hon. Barr. Ime Okon, Hon. Aniekan Uko, Hon. Uduak Ududo, Hon and Hon. Monday Eyo.
Present during the meeting were, Acting Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, IRS and Permanent Secretary, Budget Office, Pastor Nicholas Ekarika, State Accountant General, Mr. Linus Nkang, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Eme Ette Imuk, and the Permanent Secretary, Economic development and planning, Mr. Emmanuel Essien.Also in attendance were Rev. Dr. Otuekong Ukut of the Ministry of Finance and the State Revenue Consultant, among other stakeholders.
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