MDAs Applaud Ondo Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee Over Ongoing Audit Exercise
…defaulters warned to appear or face sanctions
By Oyeniwa Elizabeth
The Ondo State House of Assembly Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has continued its public hearing on the Auditor-General’s reports for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), with stakeholders commending the committee’s commitment to accountability and transparency.
The exercise, which commenced over three weeks ago as part of the Assembly’s constitutional oversight on the Auditor-General’s reports for the years 2021 to 2023, has entered a critical stage, with several MDAs appearing before the committee to respond to audit queries and provide necessary clarifications.
Speaking during the session, the Chairman of the Committee and House Parliamentary Secretary, Hon. Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, expressed concern over the absence of some agencies that failed to appear before the committee without prior notification.
He specifically mentioned agencies such as the Football Development Agency, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Pension Transitional Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, and the Agency Against Gender-Based Violence, noting that they neither honoured the invitation nor tendered appropriate apologies.
Ogunwumiju, therefore, directed the affected agencies to appear before the committee on the next sitting day tomorrow, which he described as the final day of the exercise, warning that failure to comply would attract appropriate sanctions in line with legislative provisions.
He reiterated the resolve of the committee to ensure thorough scrutiny of public accounts while maintaining fairness, professionalism and due process throughout the exercise.
The Chairman appreciated the level of cooperation received from MDAs that had honoured invitations so far and urged others yet to appear to approach the process with sincerity, openness and readiness to address identified lapses.
Ogunwumiju stressed that the exercise is aimed at strengthening financial discipline and enhancing transparency in government operations, adding that the committee remains focused on achieving lasting institutional reforms rather than apportioning blame.
He assured that all submissions and observations would be treated with diligence in line with legislative standards and global best practices.
Other lawmakers present at the hearing, including the Vice Chairman, Hon. Stephen Abitogun, alongside Dr Chris Ogunlana, Hon. Sulaiman Murtala, Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa, Hon. Tope Agbulu and Hon. Afe Felix, reaffirmed their commitment to the objectives of the exercise.
They emphasised the importance of accountability in public service and pledged to support all efforts aimed at strengthening financial management systems across government institutions.
The lawmakers also encouraged MDAs to take advantage of the exercise to improve internal controls, ensure proper record-keeping and enhance service delivery to the people of Ondo State.
Meanwhile, the committee received widespread commendation from representatives of various MDAs who appeared before it, many of whom described the process as insightful, corrective and impactful.
They applauded the committee for its calm disposition, fairness and for creating an enabling environment that promotes accountability without intimidation.
Some accounting officers expressed appreciation for the guidance provided, noting that the exercise has helped them resolve longstanding audit issues within their establishments.
They further acknowledged that the transparent manner in which the committee has conducted its proceedings reflects a genuine commitment to strengthening public sector governance in Ondo State.
Stakeholders present at the hearing including team from the State Auditor -general’s office also lauded the committee’s approach, describing it as a model for legislative oversight, particularly in fostering constructive engagement between the legislature and government institutions.
The Public Accounts Committee reaffirmed its determination to conclude the exercise successfully, clear outstanding audit queries and contribute meaningfully to improved financial management systems across all MDAs in the state.
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