Paragraph 1: Emphasis on Audit Query Response
The Osun State Government, through its Auditor-General, Kolapo Idris, has issued a stern warning to accounting officers and Permanent Secretaries regarding the critical importance of responding promptly to audit queries. This directive underscores the government’s commitment to financial transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. Idris emphasized that ignoring or delaying responses to audit queries will no longer be tolerated. The Auditor-General stressed that responding to a query isn’t simply a matter of closure; it’s a crucial step in addressing the underlying issues raised and ensuring proper financial management. This emphasis on timely responses signals a move towards greater scrutiny and accountability within the state’s financial operations.
Paragraph 2: Presentation of the 2024 Financial Statements
During a public presentation attended by various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, market associations, accounting professionals, representatives of people with disabilities, and the media, the Auditor-General unveiled the audited financial statements of the Osun State Government for the year 2024. The presentation covered key financial documents, including the Consolidated Statement of Financial Performance, the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow (both direct and indirect methods), the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets/Equity, the Consolidated Statement of Comparison of Budget and Actual, and accompanying notes to the accounts. This comprehensive presentation aims to provide a transparent overview of the state’s financial standing and performance during the specified period.
Paragraph 3: Legal Framework and Compliance
The audit process and the presentation of the financial statements were conducted in accordance with the legal framework established by Section 125(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Section 17(a-i) of the Osun State Audit Law 2019 (as amended). The Auditor-General’s adherence to these legal provisions underscores the government’s commitment to operating within the bounds of the law and upholding the principles of transparency and accountability in its financial practices. This adherence ensures that the audit process is credible and reliable, providing a clear and accurate picture of the state’s financial health.
Paragraph 4: Reinforcing the Call for Accountability
The Head of Service, Mr. Samuel Aina, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Public Office, Mr. Najeem Akintola, echoed the Auditor-General’s call for timely responses to audit queries. This reinforcement from a key figure in the state’s administration underscores the seriousness with which the government views this matter. By emphasizing the importance of adherence to standard practice, the Head of Service’s message sends a clear signal that accountability is a priority across all government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This united front strengthens the message and ensures that accountability is embedded within the government’s operational culture.
Paragraph 5: Concerns Regarding Seized Local Government Funds
Beyond the presentation of the state’s financial statements, the event also highlighted a critical issue affecting local governance. The Osun State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Abimbola Fasasi, raised concerns about the seizure of monthly allocations due to local government areas in the state. Fasasi appealed to the Attorney General of the Federation to intervene and facilitate the release of these vital funds, arguing that the seizure is negatively impacting the lives of rural dwellers who rely on these resources for essential services and development projects. He stressed that there was no justifiable basis for the seizure of these funds, highlighting the potential disruption to local governance and service delivery.
Paragraph 6: Impact of Seized Funds and Call for Action
The seizure of local government funds raises significant concerns about the financial stability and operational capacity of local governments within Osun State. The lack of access to these funds can hinder the delivery of essential services, stall development projects, and negatively impact the overall well-being of rural communities. The TUC’s call for intervention highlights the urgency of addressing this issue and ensuring that local governments receive the necessary resources to fulfill their responsibilities to their constituents. The appeal to the Attorney General of the Federation seeks to address the legal basis for the seizure and find a swift resolution to ensure the smooth functioning of local governance within the state.
