LAGOS ASSEMBLY CHIDES AGENCY OVER FINANCIAL NEGLIGENCE

House Committee on Public Accounts yesterday commenced consideration of Y2010 Auditor General's Report with a charge to Ministries and Parastatals to tidy up their financial documents and ensure strict adherence to the dictates of the Financial Rules and Regulations.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Bolaji Ayinla said, it would not be business as usual, saying that any erring MDA's found wanting would be sanctioned.

Ayinla said that his Committee has deeply studied the report and comments of the Auditor General carefully, therefore putting it at better advantage to ask pertinent questions relating to the comments and observations raised as it affects each MDA's.

However, the Committee at the sitting frowned at the leadership of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), when the General Manager, Mr. Abiola Anifowoshe could not give convincing reasons why some occupants of government properties on the Island refuse to pay their rents putting the government at their mercy.

A member of the Committee, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu queried the rationale adopted by LASURA to allow government money to be stalled by some individuals, whereas Private Investors would never allow such. “This is unacceptable” he said.

The Office of the Auditor-General had earlier submitted that LASURA had in the last 4years positioned that they are in the process of getting a consultant to get all outstanding rent, but same story persisted.

The General Manager, Mr. Abiola Anifowoshe in a response said a memo had been genetrated to the Governor for approval, for the appointment of a consultant. In his submission the Chairman, Hon. Bolaji Ayinla, directs the agency to make plans to recover the money as government needs a lot of money for developmental projects, while re-emphasizing that the State Assembly through the Public Accounts Committee will not close its eyes to financial negligence by any government agency.

In a related development, the Committee also frowned at the way the management of Lagos State Water Corporation has been handling storage of procured materials without due diligence and proper accounting for store keeping. The management of the State Water Corporation was therefore directed to tidy its record keeping and allow unhindered access by officials from the State-Auditor General's Office to necessary documents, while all agencies have been enjoined to co-operate with them.

The Committee, while taking LASTMA, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency discovered that a contractor awarded the supply of 25 Hilux Pick Up vehicle has only submitted 12 vehicles leaving out a balance of 13, after several months of contract award.

The Chairman, Hon. Ayinla and members of the Committee expressed worry over this as they took on the General Manager of LASTMA, Engr Edu, who disclosed that the contract was awarded through State Tenders Board. He promised to get in touch with the contractor as the Committee request for necessary document needed to pursue this.

February 26, 2012