by crossriverwatch admin
The Cross River State House of Assembly has directed Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Councils to appear before it on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 to explain the position of incomes and expenditures of their respective councils.
The directive which is contained in a resolution of the House explained that the Chairmen are expected to offer public explanation on their refusal and neglect to submit statements of accounts of their various councils for the past 14 months.
The House also resolved that the Chairmen should on the March 27, 2013 submit all outstanding returns to the House or face sanctions.
Making their inputs on the matter, members said chairmen of Councils must be seen to conduct their affairs in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The assembly members observed that the House has a duty to protect the State and that the Legislature must take urgent steps to save the lack of commitment and financial indiscipline of Councils leadership.
Speaking during the plenary, the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Itaya Nyong who presided over the session, said from members’ contributions, it was evident that Councils are not faring well.
Statistics of returns so far made by Councils show that Abi, Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Bekwarra have not submitted any income and expenditure statement from January 2012 to date.
Biase and Etung have submitted for 5 months each, while Calabar Municipality has submitted for 10 months.
Ikom submitted for 8 months, Obudu for 3 months, while Yala has only submitted for 4 months. All the Councils recorded nil for the period 2013.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, member representing Boki II state constituency, Hon. Jacob Otu Enyia said the only way councils can show justification for funds received is by submitting statements of income and expenditure.
Hon. Enyia stated that the Assembly has enormous powers to check the excesses of the Councils which can be exercised without necessarily having to amend the Local Government Laws.
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