The attention of Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts has been drawn to a news report in the online edition of Daily Trust newspaper of April 9, 2019.

The said report authored by one Titus Eleweke had alleged in its banner headline as follows, ‘Anambra State LGs Using Pencil For Financial Records’.

The report had gone ahead to allege that the statement was made by the Committee.

We wish to state that at no time did the Committee Chairman, Mr Charles Ezeani or any of its members make such a statement. Neither did the Committee speak with Titus Eleweke.

The Committee is embarrassed that Titus Eleweke who is not an accredited House of Assembly Correspondent will write such a fictitious story and ascribe same to it.

The Committee had while interacting with the Transition Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Authority over their 2017 financial records at the State House of Assembly Complex read out its mandate, and also reminded him and his team of rules governing financial transactions in local governments including Governor Willie Obiano’s directive that government officials who do not maintain transparent financial records will be relieved of their appointments.

At no time did the committee indict the Transition Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government, or any other Local Government Transition Chairman of any wrong-doing as has been erroneously reported by Titus Eleweke and Daily Trust.

The Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts takes its assignment and oversight functions very seriously. The Committee also believes in an independent press but frowns seriously at a situation where a journalist or media house goes ahead to falsely report its proceedings.

Signed

Honourable Charles Ezeani
Member Representing Anaocha 2
House Committee Chairman on Public Accounts