Iloke Egbe
The chairman Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission Hon. Ntufam Victor Okon has advised auditors in the State Civil Service to continue to uphold the ethics of their profession as it would help the Government to identify Funding Gaps and Address it using the budget instrument.
The chairman gave the advice when he received a team of auditors in his office at the House of Assembly Service Commission Complex who were on routine official duties to assess the financial situation and compliance of the commission to the financial regulations as required in the public sector.
Addressing the team of auditors, Ntufam Okon said I am happy you are here to see things for yourself, this will enable you to advise the Government well on financial issues as your visit serves as our witness to the paucity of funds the commission is facing. Adding that there is no inflow as expected to position the commission in comparison with its other Commissions.
He asserted that the Commission has viable plans and experience commissioners, that with proper funding the Commission will be enviably positioned, and expressed the belief that the Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has not forgotten about the commission.
According to Ntufam Okon, the Governor is a progressive minded man, that he will surprise the commission with adequate funding and things that may appear as challenges now shall not have a place in the nearest future, that this time demands that we show deep understanding with Government as dwindling funds is not peculiar with Cross River State.
He advised Staff to put the Governor and the State in their prayers, citing the efforts of the Governor to return the State to oil producing Status which has yielded positive results and shall transform the State positively beyond our expectations, and the joy will vanish the pains of today.
Earlier, the team leader, Ms Victoria Bassey Etim, informed the chairman that they were on a routine official duties as required in the Civil service to avoid poor financial performance and reporting by any Government establishment as it will affect the credibility and ratings of the administration. She said the objectives of the visit were to ensure that accountability of public funds is not compromised by officials of the Government.
According to Ms. Etim, the visit was to ensure that financial records are kept in a transparent manner to avoid diversion of funds, and retirements of funds are also done timely. She expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Director of account, stating that Mr. David Ajoronor is an experienced and seasoned accountant who is very versatile in his Job.
Highlights of the visit were inspection of the commission financial records and interactive session. Other auditors in attendance were Mr. Essien Nyong, Head of Department and supervisor, Mrs. Ekpoanwan Ekpenyong Nsa, Mrs . Mary Peter Imong, Mr Joseph Ekpenyong Okon and Miss Esther Akiba Ekpenyong as members.
