By Kayode Babatuyi
…as Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative Partners Ekiti Government to enlighten actors on need for participatory auditing
Stakeholders, who participated in a two-day Audit Engagement Forum and Accountability Dialogue in the public audit process in Ekiti State have called for the enhancement of public audit practices and citizens’ engagement.
This formed part of the communque issued after the programme aimed at addressing challenges impeding effective public audit practices by actors in the public audit action cycle as well as removing barriers hindering participation of civil society organizations, professional bodiesand media actors in the audit process of Ekiti State.
The Audit Engagement Forum, which held in Ado-Ekiti, organised by Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative in partnership with the Office of the Auditor-General, Ekiti State with the support of Macarthur Foundation had various papers presentation.
Papers presented at the sessions include “Understanding the Role of the State Audit Office in Public Accountability”, “Understanding the Functions of the Public Accounts Committee,” “Enhancing Civic and Media Participation in Audit Process of Ekiti State” and “Review of the 2020 and 2021 Reports of the Auditor-General for Ekiti State.”
Stakeholders, who participated in the two-day meetings were drawn from diverse constituencies including the Office of the State Auditor-General, Public Accounts Committee of the State House of Assembly, audited agencies of government, civil society organizations, media, persons with disabilities, community leaders, professional bodies, trade, and labour unions.
“The discussion at the Audit Engagement Forum focused on stakeholders’ understanding of the roles and functions of the Auditor-General for the State, Public Accounts Committee and participation of different civic groups in the audit process as well as the 2022 Subnational Audit Efficacy Index report on Ekiti State.
“Also, the Accountability Dialogue reviewed in detail all 60 audit issues captured in the 2020 and 2021 reports of the Auditor-General for Ekiti State.
Stakeholders at the forum acknowledged progress made so far, identified various challenges, and made the following recommendations:
“Technical Support: There is need for continuous capacity strengthening for all actors in the public audit action cycle to enhance their knowledge and proficiency to effectively and efficiently discharge their audit functions.
“Timely Follow-up: Civic groups, professional bodies and media actors should support the State Audit Office and the Public Accounts Committee of the State House of Assembly to track and advance advocacy for the implementation of the recommendations and resolutions on audit issues to promote accountability, reduce public sector corruption and accelerate development in the State.
“Strengthening Participation, Collaboration and Partnership of Civic groups, Professional
Bodies and the Media: The office of the Auditor-General and the Public Accounts Committee of the Ekiti State House of Assembly should strengthen working relationship with civil society organizations, professional bodies, media groups and other non state actors to enhance public audit practices, promote citizens’ engagement and accelerate sustainable development in Ekiti State.
“The Office of the Auditor-General for Ekiti State, Local Governments and the Public Accounts Committee of Ekiti State House of Assembly should bridge the information gap by proactively disclosing vital accountability information via their websites and social media platforms.
“The Office of the Auditor-General for Ekiti State should host its website as soon as possible. The Office of the Auditor-General for Ekiti State should work with the PublicAccounts Committee (PAC), Ministry of Justice and other relevant agencies to enact a legislation establishing PAC tribunal for theenforcement of sanctions emanating from the resolutions of the State House of Assemblyon audit issues.
“Civil society organizations, professional bodies and the media should prepare and submit a proposal of engagement incorporating citizens’participatory audit in the work of the Auditor-General for Ekiti State.”