Mr Uwem Andrew-Essien, Accountant General, Akwa Ibom State, (front row, middle) in a group photo with Accountants at the opening of a-2 day training in Uyo.
Accountants in Akwa Ibom State Government employ have been charged to be alive to their goal-keeping roles.
The Accountant General of the State, Mr Uwem Andrew-Essien, gave the charge Tuesday 27th June while declaring opened a -2 day workshop in Uyo.
The workshop was organised by the Office of the Account General in partnership with Integrity and Compliance Management Consult for accountants working in government MDAs.
The information officer in the office of the AG reported that Andrew-Essien, likened the role of accountants to that of goal keepers, emphasising that it is the responsibility of accountants to guide and advise their commissioners and permanent secretaries to abide by due process in all government transactions.
“Irrespective of the mistakes of the striker or defender, everybody blames the goal keeper when the opponent scores. In all Ministries, Accountants play pivotal role of goal keepers, and must ensure compliance by MADs”.
He told the participants that when he assumed office as Accountant General, he decided to create the Compliance Unit, to ensure everything was done according to laid down procedure.
The Accountant General advised accountants to ensure there is a written document to back up every directive given to them by their bosses.
“There is no verbal instruction in the civil service”, Andrew-Essien emphasized.
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Setting the tone for the event, the Deputy Accountant General, Mrs Emem George, said training is important because it presents good opportunity for the accountants to grow their knowledge base and improve their expertise.
Mrs George praised the Accountant General for always ensuring that accountants are trained regularly for improved service delivery.
The President/Project Consultant, Integrity and Compliance Management Consult, Chief Yomi Charles, said the training is aimed at exposing the Accountants to effective management of public resources.
Chief Charles who extolled the sterling qualities of the Accountant General of Akwa Ibom State said “I have toured the entire Nigeria and yet to come across any Accountant General like Pastor Uwem Andrew-Essien”, adding that the State was blessed to have him at the helm of the treasury headquarter.
One of the resources persons, Prince Adewale Joseph in his paper titled “Public Procurement and due process” tasked the accountants to ensure proper fund management, record keeping as well as follow due process in the discharge of their duties.
The workshop tagged, “Enhancing Due Process in Managing Public Resource” is organised by the office of the Accountant General in partnership with Integrity and Compliance Management Consult.
