Financial scandal currently rocking over 30 Development Centres created under the local government areas in Ebonyi state, following their refusal to render annual financial statements for the period of two years (2011-2012) to the Auditor-General of the state Local Government Service Commission, is raising dust in the system.
Investigation by Blueprint revealed that the affected DCs may face legal action if they fail to submit the financial statement to the Auditor-General after a certain period of grace.
In a letter dated 24th Dec. 2013 and signed by Auditor-General of the Local Government Service Commission, Dr. A. N. Edeh, addressed to the Commissioner Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and Rural Development, Hon. Celestine Nwali, the Auditor-General lamented the outright refusal of the said Development Centres to submit their financial statements for the years under review despite several letters written to them on that regard.
Part of the letter reads: “May I inform you with concern the refusal of the underlisted Development Centres to submit their financial statements for the year 2011 and or 2012 despite my several letters to them on that regard.
“In view of the foregoing, I wish to solicit that you use your good offices to call them to order to enable us conclude the auditing of the financial statements and forward same to the appropriate quarters”.
In compliance to the letter, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and Rural Development has in a letter dated 31st Dec. 2013 and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Sir, Dr. P.C.I. Umoke, on behalf of the Commissioner, directed the indicted Development Centres to render their annual financial statements without further delay or be prepared to face the consequences of their action.