Odey seeks synergy with office of auditor general for Local Government

By Sylvia Okoi

The commissioner for Local Government Affairs Hon.Stella Odey-Ekpo 
has stressed the need for the ministry of local Government Affairs to work In synergy with the office of the auditor General for  local Government .


Odey stated this  in a familiarization visit to the office of the  Auditor General
recently in calabar.
       Speaking during the visit Odey siad it was needful for her to  become abreast
       with the activites of the Auditor General's office in oder to create a balanced and cordial
Working relationship as well as Synergise amicably wtth the aim of fostering development in
The local Government sector.


   Hon. Odey appealed to the Auditor General  to endeavour to send vetted copies of vouchers on or before the tenth (10th) of  every month for onward Submission to the Governor.

        In her response , the Auditor General for Local Government Mrs. Franka Inok expressed appreciation to the commissioner for visiting her office .
Mrs Inok stated that the AG's office operates in an unbiased manner with their duties spanning across the 18 Local Government Area(s) of the state. She disclosed that her office is mandated to audit the discharge as well spending of public funds in the Local Government sector.
On futher interaction with the commissioner Mrs. Inok disclosed that the office of the Auditor General keeps confidential and sensitive reports hence operates as an independent body, Inok however promised to work round the clock to ensure that vetted vouchers are submitted to the Ministry of local Government Affairs within the given time. She informed that with the recent committee formed by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State prof. Ivara Esu to integrate all the payroll of Government into an automated payroll , the innovation according to her would help to curb the delay in late submission of wage bill which would in turn facilitate faster payments of salaries.

The Commissioner was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government Affairs Dr. Mrs. Irene Aniyom and other management staff.