Barely
two weeks to its one year anniversary, the pace-setting government of
Chief Willie Obiano has scored another first in the annals of good
governance by ending a glorious one year in style as the state emerges
tops in transparency rating. In a report released by the Federation
Accounts Sub-Committee on International Public Sector Accounting System
(IPSAS) implementation, Anambra state was ranked highest in the South
East. The South East Zone also came first in the overall ranking among
the states of the Federation. With an impressive score of 80 percent,
the Fiscal merits of the Obiano administration’s commitment came to the
fore.
Confirming
the development, Senior Special Assistant on Budget in the Governor’s
Office Mr. Melie Onyejepu, stated that the successful rating of Anambra
state was borne out of the governor’s insistence on early adoption
transparency in all accounting process. “Anambra became IPSAS compliant
by ensuring the adoption of the set standards, setting up the
infrastructure and the IT support as well as getting our people to do
the right thing.”
“Given
the volume of activities and programmes being undertaken under the
state’s 4-Pillars of economic development in agriculture, Trade and
Commerce, Oil and Gas and Industrialization, and the Enablers we must
ensure that things are done right in the area of budgeting line with the
governor’s directives” Mr. Onyejepu reiterated.
The
rating of IPSAS adoption by states is based on a road map designed by
the FAAC Sub-Committee on IPSAS implementation which required amongst
other criteria the conclusion of cash basis adoption by end of 2014, and
that states financial reports should be IPSAS compliant. The Survey
reviewed the Initiation, Activation and IT Support of states which
involves proper procurement procedures and the adoption of the
accounting software, as well as GO-Live which meant deployment
readiness, budget conversion, data migration; and IPSAS-compliant
book-keeping.
In
barely one year in office, Governor Willie Obiano has endeared himself
to the people of Anambra State with widespread development programmes
aimed at uplifting the standard of living of the people. These has
manifested in massive infrastructural works in roads, bridges,
education, health, housing, public utilities, and erosion control
amongst others. Social welfare scheme for workers, the elderly and
pensioners have equally been receiving attention, not to mention massive
investment inflow from both foreign and local firms.
The
increase in public sector spend associated with capital projects often
give room for leakages in public accounting system, but the Obiano
administration’s commitment to transparency and steadfast implementation
of the IPSAS regime in the state saw the provision of the requisite
infrastructure and software leading outputs in line with international
accounting standards.
Anambra
State has undoubtedly benefitted from the asset of Obiano’s
professional experience. The Governor’s wealth of financial management
experience has gradually translated into enhanced financial regulations
and practices in the day-to-day implementation of government’s
development initiative. Also the transparency regime prevailing in the
conduct of government business in Anambra state has been attributed to
Obiano’s leadership by example which has entrenched openness and
inclusiveness thereby attracting quality inputs from relevant
stakeholders.