The CSOs/Media Accountability and Anticorruption Initiative has called for the passage of Audit and Fiscal Responsibility bills meant to strengthen the anti-corruption campaign in Anambra State.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
the group, led by its interim coordinator, Ugochi Freeman, made the call during an advocacy visit to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr Joachin Achor at the State Secretariat in Awka.
While commending the Permanent Secretary for prudent management of public resources which promotes accountability and good governance in management of public finance, appealed for his cooperation in seeing the bills to enactment.
“We are here to advocate for the review and passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Law and the establishment of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission. We are also advocating for penalties for the offences contained in the law.
“We plead with you to support the ANSAC committee in your ministry by ensuring release of funds for their oversight as they serve as internal compliance mechanism across MDAs to ensure full compliance of service charters to curb corrupt practices.
According to Freeman, the CSO/Media coalition also advocates for the creation of the State Anti-Corruption Commission to boost the war against corruption in public offices. “This will enhance your ministry’s credibility, attract investors and development partners, foster economic growth and build public trust.
“By supporting this law, you’ll demonstrate your commitment to: prudent financial management, transparency, and good governance. Together, we can build a prosperous, livable and accountable Anambra State, making it the first choice of investment destination for investors,” she said.
Responding, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Achor, noted that work is on-going on most of the laws being advocated for. “Most of the laws we are talking about are already being worked on. Some of them are with the House of Assembly awaiting attention. I think the one I know that is possibly not with the House is the audit bill.
And a committee has been set up to look at the draft, make inputs before putting it to the House. We also need to ensure that the stipulations of the fiscal responsibility law align with the International Public Sector Accounting Standard, IPSAS. These different rules, guidelines and standards have to be applied in this law”.
Achor explained that while efforts are being intensified to get the laws being advocated passed, government is equally taking steps to curb corruption especially in revenue generation.
