The Auditor General for Local Governments in Cross River State, Mr. Bassey Abam Eko, has charged staff of the department to uphold high standards of professionalism, integrity and diligence in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking during an in-house specialized training for old and newly employed staff at the Office of the Auditor General for Local Governments, New Secretariat, Calabar, Mr. Eko said ethical conduct remains the bedrock of public accountability and effective service delivery at the grassroots.
According to him, auditing plays a vital role in promoting accountability, transparency, accuracy and good governance.
He noted that the training was designed to share experiences and learn new approaches that will improve the quality and effectiveness of audit work.
The Auditor General urged the workforce to shun corruption, maintain confidentiality in audit reports, and ensure transparency in all financial examinations of local government councils.
He emphasized that the present administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu is committed to due process and prudent management of public resources. He added that auditors must serve as watchdogs to protect Government funds, assuring staff of continuous training and welfare support to enhance their capacity, while warning that acts of indiscipline and compromise will not be tolerated.
Reflecting on the theme of the training, _"Equipping Auditors with Skills, Tools and Mindset to Detect Emerging Risks, Drive Accountability and Create Impactful Value for Public Sector Financial Operations"_, Dr. Christopher Etim Nyong, Chairman of the Audit Service Commission and former Auditor General of the State, said the dynamic nature of modern society and increased awareness by citizens of their right to demand accountability are exerting pressure on auditors to perform and deliver on their mandate.
He added that trainees cannot afford to take the training lightly.
In a goodwill message, the Head of Service, Barr. Orok Bassey Okon, represented by Barr. Lucy Bassey Enakirehi, said sound financial management and accountability are the bedrock of governance and public trust.
He described auditors as the conscience of government and stressed the need to enhance their professional competence with modern tools and techniques to enable them perform optimally.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Barr. Eyonsa Nsan, said the administration of Prince Bassey Edet Otu is committed to capacity building in line with the "People First" mantra. He noted that the mandate of government is to serve the people, and auditors can help achieve this by blocking all financial leakages in the system.
In his presentation, Lead Consultant for the training, Christo-Mary Udokang, said his team was set to furnish participants with contemporary auditing knowledge and techniques.
The trainees expressed excitement and readiness to learn and equip themselves for the task ahead.
By Omang Ekong
