The Public Accounts Committee of the Bauchi State House of Assembly has dismissed claims that it is failing in its oversight responsibilities, describing the allegations as false.
Committee Chairman Hon. Mubarak Haruna (Jama’are Constituency) made the clarification during a media briefing at the Assembly complex on Friday.
Haruna also stressed that he is not a member of the ruling PDP and has no intention of joining the party, accusing some individuals of spreading politically motivated falsehoods to discredit the state government, Governor Bala Mohammed, and the Committee.
He rejected claims that the Committee ignored audit queries from the Auditor-General’s report, describing such reports as misleading.
Since assuming office, the Committee has carried out its constitutional duties diligently, Haruna said, including visiting relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) and reviewing official records.
The Committee has strengthened accountability through audit reviews, investigations into financial irregularities in MDAs and local councils, public hearings, and monitoring of audit recommendations.
It has also conducted budget defence exercises for the Offices of the Auditor-General for State and Local Governments, ensuring all audit queries and observations in the 2024 Auditor-General’s report were properly addressed.
Haruna emphasized that the Assembly operates with due process and transparency, noting that credible audits must follow legal procedures and official channels, and any documents circulated outside these channels should be regarded as speculation.
He added that the Assembly has enacted laws to improve financial management and oversight, with members committed to serving citizens with integrity, independence, and without executive interference.
