By Jonathan Ugbal: Government House Correspondent and Margaret John: House of Assembly Correspondent
The Cross River State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Mrs. Franca Inok as the new Auditor General for the 18 local government areas in the state.
The confirmation CrossRiverWatch gathered, was done about a fortnight ago and comes almost two years after Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari had appointed Mr. Anthony Ayine, the former auditor general of the local government in the state as the new Auditor General of the federation on December 13, 2016.
The confirmation, a letter from Cross River Governor, Senator Ben Ayade said, was in line with section 56 (1) of the Cross River State Local Government law 2007.
According to a report by the public accounts committee, Mrs. Inok is highly qualified for the position as she is distinguished in the accounting profession, having been trained in public sector accounting and has been involved in various states and local government accounts audit.
Mrs. Inok, a fellow and an associate chartered accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria is said to be the only female Cross Riverian to be licensed by the Institution of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria to own and run an audit firm of Chartered Accountants.
Also, the house confirmed the appointment of Mr. Akpanke Ogar as the chairman of the State’s Internal Revenue Service.
Until his confirmation, Mr. Ogar was serving in acting capacity since April 2018 following the resignation of the former chairman, Mr. Ukam Edodi whom CrossRiverWatch had reported left the job due for ethical reasons.
The House adopted the report of the finance and appropriation committee which said Mr. Ogar was suitable for the position due to his years of service in the financial sector and his vast experience in taxation.
The committee expressed confidence in the ability of the nominee to serve in full capacity and, “to turn around the state fortune in revenue administration.”
Meanwhile, in a related development, Mr. Ayade reshuffled his cabinet last weekend with some commissioners assigned new ministries to coordinate their affairs following the resignation of their colleagues to contest elections.
The commissioner for finance, Mr. Asuquo Ekpenyong will also head the ministry of transport and marine services following Mr. Savior Nyong’s resignation.
The trade and investment’s commissioner, Peter Egba will also be coordinating the affairs of the ministry of education as Mr. Goddy Etta had since resigned.
Special Duties Commissioner, Mr. Victor Agwu will coordinate the affairs of the Ministry of Works following Dane Osim-Asu’s departure while Women Affairs Commissioner will oversee the Ministry of Establishment and Training which was manned by Sunday Achunekang.
Also, Mr. Okokon Effiom was also appointed to coordinate the affairs of the Ministry of New Cities Development formerly manned by Barrister George Ekpungu.
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