Ebosetale David Aigbefoh Esq, Director of Programmes, ALDRAP and former Vice Chairman and Head, Human Rights Committee of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Gwagwalada Branch, FCT has called for prudent management of Public Funds for the development of Nigeria.

Aigbefoh made the call during the induction of new members, conferment of fellowship of the Governing Council of the Association of Legislative Drafters and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) and public presentation of new book ” MANUAL ON LEGAL PROCEDURES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RESOLUTIONS OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNT COMMITTEES OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ” written by him in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the launching took place at the conference Hall 0.34 of the “National Assembly” three arms zone.

NAN also reports that about 60 person were inducted into ALDRAP and the Clerk of the House Of representatives was confer with the Fellowship of ALDRAP.

He said the special event is meant to promote, project and propagate the activities of the Public Accounts Committee at the 9th Assembly of both Chambers of the National Assembly, towards ensuring prudent management of Public Funds in Nigeria.

According to him, there was need for adequate legal procedures for timely implementation of resolutions by the Public Accounts Committee of both Chambers of the National Assembly gave rise to this publication.

“Ladies and Gentlemen; All protocol duly observed.
On behalf of the Governing Council of the Association of Legislative Drafters and Advocacy Practitioners-ALDRAP, I would like to thank the distinguished Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt.
Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chairmen,
Public Accounts Committee of both chambers of the National Assembly and all dignitaries of our great nation Nigeria.

“Gathered here today for this special event of induction of new members, conferment of fellowship and public presentation of new books.

“As a result of the passion to see an end to procedural challenges which confronts the sustenance of accountability and transparency.

“I went into exploring how the Public Accounts Committee as an important body in the National Assembly would continuously improve their performance because of the essential roles they play towards legislative financial oversight, eliminating financial malpractices, entrenching democracy and good governance.

“The outcome of my findings is therefore the results compiled in this book “ Manual on Legal Procedures for mplementation of the Resolutions of the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly” and it is my hope that if well studied and put to practice It is capable of yielding tremendous improvements towards the timely and effective distribution of information regarding oversight function on
public finance to citizens by the Public Accounts Committee.

“This exercise helps to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in public distribution of funds.

“Nigeria is the only Nation we have and therefore it is our primary and collective responsibility to make our Nation a much better place to live in, than it has ever
been.

However, he maintained that prudent management of Public Funds in the country would help greatly in promoting Good Governance, Democracy and development of Nigeria.

He also said that the relationship between the Auditor General of the Federation and the National Assembly through the Public Accounts Committee is like that of Siamese twins bound inseparable by destiny.

“Be that as it may, the Auditor General by virtue of Section 85(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria Fourth Alteration and the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 is expected to submit Annual Reports on the accounts of the Federation to the National Assembly.

“Which then refers such reports to this very important body, The Public Accounts Committee for review as to whether Public Funds budgeted were utilized as earlier approved in the annual budget; thus, ensuring that the integrity of the approved budget document is intact and not utterly compromised.

Finally, it is my sincere hope and prayer that the spirit of this modest event would further inspire us to the higher ideal promoting Legislative Advocacy, Peace,
Economic Development, Democracy and Good Governance. May God bless you all ,” he said.
(NAN).