The House of Representatives has directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to immediately appoint a substantive Auditor-General for the area councils to ensure timely submission and review of financial reports.
This action follows concerns that the current vacancy has hindered the processing of audited accounts as stipulated by law.
During a session of the Public Accounts Committee, the issue was raised after the Acting Auditor-General for the Area Councils, Abdullahi Ibn Salihu, presented a report on infractions in the financial handling of the councils.
Committee Chairman, Bamidele Salam, highlighted the need for intervention, recalling that a similar situation occurred during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, when a vacant position delayed financial audits for two years.
“We should step in, as we did with the Federation’s Auditor-General, and request the minister’s attention on this matter,” said Salam. “We may need to formally write to him and invite him to address the delay in appointments.”
A motion to direct Wike to act was moved by Obordor Mitema and seconded by Usman Bala, receiving unanimous approval from members.
Abdullahi Ibn Salihu pointed out that most of the financial infractions occurred under previous administrations, citing issues like non-submission of 2023-2024 reports and failure to remit pension deductions to PENCOM.
Billy Osawaru, a committee member, stressed the importance of holding officials accountable, insisting, “We must not allow these infractions to continue.”
In response to the concerns, a 5-member sub-committee led by Tochukwu Okere was established to investigate the issues and make further recommendations.