The Auditor-General, Cross River, Mr. John Odey, has tasked Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state on ensuring financial prudence, by properly retiring the overhead and capital funds they receive.
Odey made the call on Wednesday in Calabar during a meeting with the MDAs.
He warned that any organisation that failed in this regard would have its salaries withheld until such funds were retired properly and promptly.
He stressed the need for government organisations to maintain a transparent accounting system.
The auditor-general said the call had become necessary given the nonchalant attitude of some MDAs toward government finances.
“The inability of some MDAs to balance their records is totally unacceptable.
“I advise defaulting MDAs to henceforth ensure that their books are kept in accordance with laid down procedures, taking into consideration the accounting concept and principles,’’ he said.
According to him, all erring MDAs will henceforth be appropriately sanctioned.
He explained that the $20.4 million States Fiscal Transparency Accountability and Sustainability (SIFTAS) grant recently awarded the state was intact and government would spend is monies prudently.
The auditor-general emphasise the need for financial propriety especially at this period of scarce resources.
He gave the assurance that he would continually work closely with the state Ministry of Finance, Internal Revenue Service and Office of the Accountant-General.
He said he would also work together with other critical stakeholders in the revenue and finance sectors to ensure the state fared better. (NAN)