…seeks retrieval of unauthorized number plates
The Ogun State House of Assembly, through its Committee on Public Accounts and Anti-Corruption, has commenced the consideration of the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report on Local Government Councils in the state, directing the management of the councils and those of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to properly streamline the process of issuing government number plates to prevent security breaches.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Damilare Bello, issued the directive during the commencement of the exercise at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, stressing that there was a need to immediately retrieve number plates still in the possession of retired and former government officials to prevent their use by unauthorized individuals.
He noted that the proper management of official number plates had become necessary to prevent abuse, especially given the rising security concerns across the nation.
Hon. Bello urged the management of local government councils and heads of MDAs to maintain proper records and regularly take stock of government-issued number plates, particularly those allocated to officials who have retired or left government service, to ensure that such plates are retrieved and accounted for.
The Chairman stressed that the consideration of the Auditor-General’s report was not intended to target or embarrass any local government official, but was aimed at strengthening financial management systems, promoting accountability, and ensuring that public resources and government assets are properly managed in the best interest of the people.
Hon. Bello further assured that the Committee would conduct the exercise with fairness, objectivity, and respect for the principles of natural justice, while insisting that appropriate action would be taken where there is evidence of financial misconduct, negligence, or non-compliance with extant laws and regulations.
In his remarks, the Auditor-General for Local Governments, Mr. Abdul Najeem Olayinka, commended the Committee for its resolve to promote accountability and transparency through the exercise, noting that the initiative has continued to strengthen the Office of the Auditor-General for Local Governments in the effective discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
He urged the management of the local government councils, led by the chairmen, to strengthen their internal control mechanisms particularly internal auditors to function effectively by promptly reconciling financial records to reduce infractions.
The local government councils that appeared before the Committee during the exercise included Odeda, Ogun Waterside, and Ikenne, represented by their Heads of Local Government Administration, Mr. Oluwole Fateru, Mr. Victor Awobotu, and Mr. Oluwole Adeosun, respectively.