…seeks retrieval of unauthorized number plates

The Ogun State House of Assembly, through its Committee on Public Accounts and Anti-Corruption, has commenced the review of the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report on Local Government Councils in the state.

The Committee directed the management of the councils, as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to ensure proper regulation and documentation of the issuance of 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.

Bello stressed that there was a need to immediately retrieve number plates still in the possession of retired and former government officials to prevent its use by unauthorized individuals.

He requested that the proper management of official number plates had become necessary to prevent abuse, especially giving the rising security concerns across the nation.

The Chairman urged the Management of Local Government councils and other Heads of MDAs to maintain proper records and regularly take stock of government-issued number plates, particularly those allocated to officials who had retired or left government service, to ensure that such plates were retrieved and accounted for.

He 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 were properly managed in the best interest of the people.

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 was 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 promoting accountability and transparency through the exercise.

Olayinka noted that the exercise had 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 the Internal Auditors, to function effectively by promptly reconciling their 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 Governments Administration, Mr. Oluwole Fateru, Mr. Victor Awobotu and Mr. Oluwole Adeosun, respectively.

PHOTO CAPTION: Heads of Local Governments Administration, Oluwole Fateru, Victor Awobotu and Oluwole Adeosun