Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, on Friday assented to a bill passed by the State House of Assembly titled The Bauchi State Independent Public Complaints and Accountability Commission.
This development marks a significant step toward promoting transparency and accountability in government activities and addressing various challenges related to unethical practices.
During the signing ceremony at the Governor’s Office in Bauchi, the Governor expressed concern over recent reports of financial mismanagement involving some state officials. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability.
He emphasized that the new law will directly address issues such as corruption, ghost workers, misappropriation, and other financial irregularities.
The Governor stated that the Commission will offer the public a platform to report complaints, ensuring that those in power are held accountable for their actions.
Governor Bala Mohammed also commended the State House of Assembly members for their ongoing support and cooperation with his administration. He assured that the administration would continue to operate within the law, introducing initiatives and policies to safeguard the state’s treasury for the benefit of all residents.
He said, “This is to inform the general public that we are conscious of our responsibilities and there are some leakages that we must stop.”
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The Governor warned that any top government officials found guilty of recently defrauding the state would face appropriate consequences.
He also expressed appreciation for the collaboration between the three tiers of government, emphasizing that the primary aim of the law is to set a strong precedent for transparency and accountability in Bauchi State and beyond.
Earlier, while presenting the bill for the Governor’s assent, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Sulaiman, remarked that the new measure is expected to boost public confidence in the government and foster good governance.
He affirmed that the Bauchi State Independent Public Complaints and Accountability Commission will investigate various forms of financial mismanagement, including ghost worker cases, which have been a significant challenge for the state.
Leading other Principal Officers to present the bill, the Speaker commended the Governor for enhancing stakeholder engagement and inclusivity in government policies and programs aimed at promoting transparency and accountability.
He also urged the Governor to thoroughly investigate recent allegations of corruption and fraud against some high-ranking government officials.
The new law replaces the previous one that established the Bauchi State Anti-corruption Commission, which is currently under judicial review pending a court judgment.
