The Public Accounts Committee of the Bauchi State House of Assembly has refuted allegations that it is failing to perform its oversight duties, deeming the claims as baseless. Committee Chairman, Hon. Mubarak Haruna, addressed the media at the Assembly complex on Friday to clarify the committee’s position. He emphasized that he is not a member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and has no intention of joining, attributing the spread of false information to certain individuals seeking to blackmail the state government, Governor Bala Mohammed, and the committee.
Haruna explained that the allegations of ignoring audit queries from the Auditor-General’s report were misleading. Since assuming office, the committee has diligently carried out its constitutional duties, visiting relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), reviewing official records, and finding no evidence to support the claims published by a newspaper. The committee has strengthened accountability through audit reviews, investigations into financial irregularities in MDAs and local councils, public hearings, monitoring of audit recommendations, and budget defense exercises for the Offices of the Auditor-General for State and Local Governments.
According to Haruna, all audit queries and observations in the 2024 Auditor-General’s report have been properly addressed. He stressed that the Assembly operates with due process and transparency, and any credible audit must go through legal procedures and proper channels. Documents circulated outside these processes should be regarded as speculation, he added. The Assembly has passed laws to improve financial management and oversight, and members are committed to serving citizens with integrity and independence, free from executive interference.
The committee’s clarification is significant, as it reinforces the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. The allegations had raised concerns about the committee’s effectiveness in performing its oversight duties. By addressing the claims and providing context, the committee has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that the state government and its agencies are held accountable for their actions. The development is expected to promote good governance and transparency in Bauchi State, ultimately benefiting its citizens.
