The directive followed the discovery of discrepancies and misrepresentation of facts which were observed by committee members while scrutinising the proposal submitted by the agency.
A member of the committee, Hon. Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe, (APC, Imo), had observed that N50.8m paid for an ongoing capital project was not appropriately captured in the agency’s presentation.
In his response, the AuGF, Mr Anthony Ayine told the committee that the error was not deliberate’ as it was captured on another page in the presentation under capital expenditure.
As he said, “If you look at the page you will notice that the sum of N50.8m was captured’ this further infuriated Igbokwe the more who enquired from the AuGF “Are you not an accountant? How can you allow such an oversight?.
In the same vein, another lawmaker pointed to an error in the report where a 1000kva generator captured as 100kva engine.
At this point, the committee Chairman Rep Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, (PDP, Rivers) said, “Next time when you are asked a direct question answer in the affirmative.Take note also that what we have here in your sub-heads as budget performance and utilisation are supposed to stand separately.
He added: “Budget performance can’t in any form be budget utilisation please take note of the difference”.
In his contribution, Rep Gabriel Oyenwife (PDP Anambra) observed that from all indications the agency had been underfunded as it receives far lesser that its request in all instances.
However, the chairman Chinda reasoned otherwise saying “as the watchdog of every organ of government the AuGF is expected to live above board.
“The agency is expected to manage whatever in its possession appropriately.
In his ruling, Chinda said: “we expect enough accountability and transparency from an important agency like AuGF.
“This is irrespective of the envelope given to the ministry and we expect errors corrected and war against corruption must begin with your office”.
INDEPENDENT
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