Oyo Assembly Begins Probe Of Auditor-General’s Report On MDAs, LGAs
The Oyo State House of Assembly has begun a probe into the Auditor-General’s reports on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and Local Government Areas in the state.
The investigation aims to promote accountability and transparency in the management of public funds. It will also address financial irregularities recorded in previous years.
Scope of the Public Hearing
According to the House Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the review will cover three years of reports for MDAs. These include 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Meanwhile, the committee will review the accounts of local government councils for two years – 2023 and 2024.
The public hearing is expected to last two weeks. It is taking place at the Caucus Room of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Committee Explains Purpose of Probe
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Olusola Owolabi, said the exercise aims to ensure transparency and accountability in public spending.
Hon. Owolabi represents Ibadan North East State Constituency II in the Assembly. He explained that the House is acting under Sections 85(5 – 6), 128, and 129 of the Nigerian Constitution. These provisions empower lawmakers to examine how government agencies manage public funds.
He said the committee will carefully review all audit queries raised against MDAs and local government councils. According to him, the House wants clear explanations on issues relating to public income, expenditure, and internally generated revenue.
Lawmakers Warn Against Financial Misconduct
Hon. Owolabi also warned that the committee will not hesitate to refer any culpable officer to anti-graft agencies for further investigation.
He noted that several audit queries had remained unanswered for years. Therefore, the Assembly has decided to address the issue and ensure proper financial accountability.
“The Constitution mandates the House of Assembly to review the issues raised by the Auditor-General,” he said.
“We want to know how ministries, agencies, and institutions responded to those audit queries. That is why we invited all MDAs to appear before the committee.”
Accountability for Public Funds
The committee chairman stressed that the exercise focuses on accountability.
“Government budgets funds and releases money to agencies. However, the public deserves to know how the money is spent,” he said.
“This is taxpayers’ money. It belongs to the people. Therefore, the House has the right to examine income and expenditure to ensure transparency.”
He added that Oyo State has agencies responsible for enforcing the rule of law and investigating corruption.
According to him, these institutions help ensure accountability in the management of public resources. Whenever the committee finds evidence of wrongdoing, it will refer the matter to the appropriate anti-graft agencies.
Committee Issues Guidelines to Agencies
Meanwhile, a member of the committee, Hon. Olasunkanmi Babalola, explained the guidelines for the public hearing.
He warned that officials found guilty of misappropriation, unauthorized spending, diversion of funds, or contract irregularities would face investigation by anti-corruption agencies in the state.
He also clarified that the exercise is a legal responsibility of the Assembly.
“This is not a political exercise,” he said. “Once a budget is approved, government agencies must spend public funds in a transparent manner.”
Call for Cooperation
Other members of the Public Accounts Committee include Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, Hon. Abiodun Babalola, and Hon. Johnson Ogundele.
Meanwhile, the Clerk of the House, Barrister Adenike Taiwo Muraina-Akinola, urged all invited MDAs and local government councils to cooperate with the committee.
The Deputy Clerk (Legal), Mrs. Aderonke Ogundeji, represented her at the hearing.
She emphasized that the investigation is not meant to witch-hunt anyone. Instead, it aims to strengthen accountability and improve the management of public funds in the state.
