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Bailout Fund: Senate Committee Commends Enugu State For Transparency

The Senate committee on State and Local Government Administration has visited Enugu state to perform its oversight duties on the bailout funds released to states … Continue reading Bailout Fund: Senate Committee Commends Enugu State For Transparency


governor_ugwuanyiThe Senate committee on State and Local Government Administration has visited Enugu state to perform its oversight duties on the bailout funds released to states by the Federal Government, in order to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilisation of public funds.

The committee, led by Abdullahi Gumel, met with the State Head of Civil Service, State Accountant General, Commissioner of Finance, among others, to get details on how the money was used.

Before the commencement of the meeting, the State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government for prompt response over the release of the bailout fund.

The governor also appealed to the committee to make a case for more funds to be released to states in order to enable them address some critical issues in their respective jurisdictions.

He also gave a breakdown of what the bailout was used for.

On the other hand, Ugwuanyi asked that the Federal Government to refund to the state the over 22 billion Naira spent on Federal road intervention programme to enable it tackle some critical issues in the state.

“I must commend the Federal Government for the bold and timely initiative to provide states with funds to enable them address critical issues in their respective jurisdictions.

“Enugu state applied for bailout fund from the Federal Government totaling about 40.9 billion Naira, out of this sum however, we received only 4.207 billion Naira to be used in the liquidation of outstanding pension and subvention to parastatals, agencies and departments.

“I am happy to announce to you that we have successfully utilised the funds for the stated purposes.

“Distinguished senators, we urge you to make a case for more resources to be released to states and the Enugu government, for example, will among other things greatly appreciate the refund of over N22 billion spent on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Federal roads in the state.

“This does not only accord with best practices, but will significantly boost the capacity of the state in tackling some challenging issues facing the state.

After the closed door meeting, Gumel told journalists that the committee was impressed with how the fund was utilised and commended the government on the innovation employed in ensuring transparency in disbursement.

He further stated: “I have gone and seen the books. As far as the bailout funds are concerned, everything is in order.

“Enugu state has given us the list of beneficiaries prepared by the banks. To us it’s an innovation and we are going to report it,” he concluded.