From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State government has disclosed plans to digitize the third tier of government in order to ease business transactions at that level.
Auditor General for Local Governments of Benue State, Dr Gberindyer Abraham, who made the disclosure in an interview with AljazirahNigeria yesterday in Makurdi, lamented that local government areas had missed a lot of opportunities as a result of lack of comprehensive database to provide information on their activities.
He also disclosed that plans are ongoing to embark on manpower audit at the third tier of government, so as to know the total number of staff for proper planning.
Dr Gberinder stated that as an office mandated by law to check and audit statements to ensure accountability, during his recent tour of the 23 local government areas, he interacted with elected officials both executive and the legislature to educate them on financial management processes such as budgetary issues, financial statements, contracts and how to keep records properly.
He expressed satisfaction with the performance of the present administration, especially in the prompt payment of salaries to civil servants and pensions, pointing out that this has made it possible for civil servants who depend only on salary to plan and channel their expenses according to their earnings.
He also acknowledged the giant strides of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration in the area of infrastructural development, particularly the construction of township and rural roads, provision of street lights in major towns among other achievements, urging Benue people to remain firm in their support to the present administration.
