Kogi Non-Governmental Organisations Network (KONGONET) has commended the state government for acting swiftly on the outcome of audit report of Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS).
The network gave the commendation during its third-quarter 2020 press briefing on Thursday in Lokoja.
Mr Idris Muraina, chairman of the network who addressed newsmen on behalf of other members of the KONGONET, called on the state government to make the audit reports on the revenue agency from 2016 till date public.
“Accountability is the hallmark of good governance. However, accountability issues flagged in 2019 Auditor General’s Report should be addressed appropriately, while we urge the government to make public 2016, 2017 and 2018 state auditor general’s report in compliance with the best global practice of accountability,” he said.
On September 21, Governor Yahaya Bello suspended the management of the KGIRS and appointed an interim management committee to oversee the daily activities of the revenue service.
The state government explained that the decision came as a result the 2019 audited financial report of the revenue service which shows that their were infractions.
On citizens engagement in governance, KONGONET commended the state government, especially the finance ministry for engaging citizens in issues of budget development through periodic meetings with civil society groups and citizens of the state.
Muraina charged Governor Bello and the finance commissioner to bring to reality the planned palliative packages for Kogites as one of the outcome of the consultative engagement with stakeholders.
He also called on the state government to put the lingering percentage salary payment at both state and local government levels to a final rest.
On politics, he lauded the State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) for scheduling December 12 for the Local Government Council elections in the state, saying that it was a welcomed development.
Muraina, however, urged political parties to conform with their internal democracy and uphold the provisions of their Constitution selecting their representatives to avoid rancour in the conduct of the council polls.
