Bauchi Assembly debunks audit claims, insists oversight intact

The Public Accounts Committee of the Bauchi State House of Assembly has dismissed claims that it is failing in its oversight duties, describing the allegations as false.

Committee Chairman, Hon. Mubarak Haruna (Jama’are Constituency), made this known during a media briefing at the Assembly complex on Friday.

He also clarified that he is not a member of the ruling PDP and has no plans to join, accusing certain individuals of spreading politically motivated falsehoods to blackmail the state government, Governor Bala  Mohammed, and the Committee.

Haruna said allegations that the Committee ignored audit queries from the Auditor-General’s report were misleading.

He noted that since assuming office, the Committee has carried out its constitutional duties diligently.

According to him, the Committee has visited relevant MDAs, reviewed official records, and found no evidence supporting the claims published by a newspaper.

He further stated that the Committee has strengthened accountability through audit reviews, investigations into financial irregularities in MDAs and local councils.

They also include public hearings, monitoring of audit recommendations, and budget defence exercises for the Offices of the Auditor-General for State and Local Governments.

He added that all audit queries and observations in the 2024 Auditor-General’s report had been properly addressed.

Haruna insisted that the Assembly operates with due process and transparency, and that any credible audit must go through legal procedures and proper channels.

Documents circulated outside these processes, he said, should be regarded as speculation.

He concluded that the Assembly has passed laws to improve financial management and oversight, adding that members are committed to serving citizens with integrity and independence, free from executive interference.