After receiving the state government's and the 17 local government councils' audited financial statements for the 2025 fiscal year, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly praised Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his "unwavering commitment to the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability."
Speaker Naanlong Gapyil brought the documents before the House on Monday during plenary.
Gapyil's media assistant, Philip Eplong, released a statement on Tuesday confirming the situation.
The Office of the Auditor-General for the State and the Auditor-General for Local Governments made the statement "in perfect line with constitutional obligations on accountability in public money," the Speaker stated.
The Speaker stated that the procedure was "pursuant to Section 125(2) and Section 125(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)" when presenting the reports to the House.
"Section 125(2) requires the Auditor-General for the State to submit audited accounts of the State Government, while Section 125(5) requires the Auditor-General for Local Governments to submit audited accounts of all Local Government Councils in the State to the House of Assembly," he clarified.
He also cited Plateau State Audit Law, 2021 Sections 36(1–3) and 22(1)(c), which require the House to conduct a thorough review of all audit reports in order to guarantee accountability, openness, and value for money in public spending.
After the presentation, the House decided to send the audited financial statements of the state and the 17 local government councils to the House Committee on Public Accounts and Petitions for careful review, exercising its constitutional oversight powers under "Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)."
The committee's mandate was to "examine all financial records to ensure compliance with approved estimates, financial regulations, and due process; identify cases of financial irregularities, misapplication, or waste of public funds at both state and local government levels; invite relevant accounting officers and stakeholders for explanations where necessary; and submit a comprehensive report with recommendations to the House for further legislative action."
Additionally, the House praised Governor Mutfwang for submitting the reports on time.
"The timely filing of the audited financial statements for both the State and Local Governments is a clear demonstration of the Governor's integrity and highest regard for the rule of law," the Speaker said.
Gapyil said, "The Governor has set a benchmark for fiscal discipline and has demonstrated that his government has nothing to conceal by filing the reports as and when due."
The action, he continued, "reflects an administration that is open to criticism and is dedicated to ensure that public resources are administered in the best interest of the people of Plateau State."
The Speaker went on to emphasize that "effective monitoring of public accounts is a basic responsibility of the Legislature and a crucial instrument in supporting careful management of resources."
The effort "would guarantee that funds earmarked for the people of Plateau State, at both State and Local Government levels, are properly utilized for development," he said.
Additionally, Gapyil encouraged the Committee on Public Accounts and Petitions to carry out its mandate fairly, diligently, and strictly in accordance with the law.
"The 10th Assembly's resolution to continue working in synergy with the Executive under the capable leadership of the Governor to increase transparency, accountability, and good governance for the overall growth and prosperity of Plateau State" was reiterated by him.
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