By Sahel Reporters, Bauchi
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Bauchi State House of Assembly has restated its constitutional mandate to uphold accountability, transparency and due process in the management of public funds across the state.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Mubarak Haruna, who represents Jama’are Constituency, made this known on Friday during a news conference in Bauchi, stressing that the committee remains fully guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Standing Orders of the House.
Haruna explained that the core responsibility of the PAC is to examine audited financial statements of the state and local governments and ensure that all public expenditures strictly comply with established financial rules and regulations.
He noted that since the inauguration of the current Assembly, the committee has been proactive in the discharge of its duties, particularly through the review and scrutiny of reports submitted by the Offices of the Auditor-General for the State and Local Governments.
According to him, the committee has carried out several oversight visits to ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as local government councils, where accounting officers were invited to appear and provide explanations on their financial records and respond to audit queries.
The PAC chairman added that the committee has also organized public hearings, investigated allegations of financial irregularities and monitored the implementation of audit recommendations, all in line with its mandate to safeguard public resources.
Haruna disclosed that all audit queries and observations contained in the 2024 Auditor-General’s report were thoroughly examined and addressed through laid-down procedures.
He emphasized that due process remains central to the committee’s operations, warning that any audit-related narratives circulated outside established legal and institutional channels should be regarded as speculative and misleading.
The chairman further stated that the House of Assembly has strengthened financial oversight through relevant laws and resolutions, while the PAC consistently reports its findings to the full House for appropriate action.
Reaffirming the committee’s independence, Haruna assured the public that the PAC operates without interference and urged citizens to disregard unverified reports, pledging the committee’s continued commitment to prudent and accountable use of public funds in Bauchi State.
