By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

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Ondo State House of Assembly has amended a bill for a law to provide for the establishment of an independent office of the Auditor- General and provide for audit of public accounts and for other purpose 2021.
The amended bill was passed into law yesterday at a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun.
Chairman house committee on public account, Mr Festus Adefiranye while submitting the report of the committee noted that the desire of the State government to amend the existing audit law will further strengthen the office of the Auditor-General to discharge its duties more effectively and efficiently was commendable.
The committee observed that the proposed amendment contained essential features to accommodate the peculiarity of each state in ensuring reasonable level of independence in the operations of both offices of the Auditor General.
It’s said that the provisions contained in the proposed amendment will no doubt ensure accountability and transparency in the conduct of government business in the state.
The committee added that the amendment will rank Ondo State among the comity of States operating its business in line with global best practices.
It posited that the provisions contained in the proposed amendment will to a large extent strengthen good governance, accountability, reduce corruption, curtail sharp practices and help in promoting efficient and quality service delivery in the state without undue interference in the operations of the offices of the Auditor-General.
According to the committee, the state stands to achieve a reasonable amount of grant to support its budget through the amended bill.
After due consideration of the report of the amended bill,motions were moved for its adoption and it was adopted through voice votes and consequently passed into law.
Speaking to Journalists shortly after the plenary, the Chairman of the Committee, Adefiranye explained that “the bill was passed into law in June but when the World Bank held a meeting with the Governors Forum, it observed that some sections of that bill needed to be amended to give full autonomy to the office of the Auditor General.
“The bill has been signed into law by the governor if not we will not be sitting for its amendment. Since the Governor had signed it and the bill had already been published, then, it is just to adjust some sections that need adjustment which is section 5 and section 12 of the bill, “he said.