A’IBOM GOVT. INAUGURATES PUBLIC PROCUREMENT & DEBT MANAGEMENT COUNCILS | Ibomplaza Newz
………..Akwa Ibom State Government has inaugurated a twelve-man Public Procurement Council and a Debt Management Council comprising six members.
Inaugurating the councils, the state Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, pointed out that setting up of the Councils put Akwa Ibom in the comity of states that have met the Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability standards of the World Bank.
He noted that Governor Emmanuel, in the early days of his administration had assented to a law ensuring accountability and transparency in procurement and explained that the trend was not unconnected to Governor Emmanuel’s penchant for responsibility, accountability and transparency, adding that any governor with such virtue fears no umpire.
The SSG observed that Mr. Emmanuel’s pedigree as an experienced and highly respected personality in the global financial services sector has attracted a lot of goodwill and huge investments to the state, maintaining that it takes such background and commitment for the governor of a state to set up scrutinizing councils in his administration.
On the scope of operations, the SSG hinted that the Debt Management Council will be expected to address questions as: “Why did we go borrowing? How much did we borrow? What have we done with the amount borrowed? Why are we still indebted and when are we paying back? What are the benefits to the state and determine if the state should go for more of such borrowing?
Ekuwem spoke on the ingenuity and maturity of Governor Emmanuel for not taking the federal government bailout loan given to states, saying that the Council is mandated to scrutinize every loan opportunity so that the state does not borrow for the sake of borrowing.
He therefore urged members of the Procurement Committee to put in their best in the discharge of their responsibilities by ensuring accountability, transparency and adherence to standard procurement procedures in accordance with the state Procurement law which he said would be enforced at all levels where government resources are expended.
The state scribe expressed optimism that given the capacity and integrity of individuals with which the councils are made of nothing lower in quality will be expected from the councils.
Commissioner for finance, Mr. Nsikan Linus Nkan, who spoke on behalf of the committee members , expressed gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity given them to serve in such capacity and pledged the commitment of members of the committee to discharge their functions judiciously for the realisation of the vision of setting up the Councils.
Mr. Nkan said for anyone that has worked closely with Governor Emmanuel and had opportunity to learn from his prudence, accountability and expertise in fiscal matters, initiating such standardization in his government should not be a thing of surprise.
The Public Procurement Council has Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Nsikan Linus Nkan as Chairman, Executive Secretary, Bureau of Public Procurement, Ndifreke Benson Akpan as the Secretary while the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ephraim Inyang will function in a supervisory capacity.
Members of the Procurement Council are Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Uwemedimo Nwoko, Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Akan Okon, Chairman State Investment Corporation, Dr. Elijah Akpan, representative of the Secretary to the State Government, Aniekan Effiong.
Others are representative of the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Ekaette Ekanem, representative of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management, Mr. Monday Umana, representative of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Elder (Barr.) Isonguyo Robinson Uko, representative of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Ukeme Okop MNSE and representative of Civil Society Organizations, Pastor Henry Udoh.
The Debt Management Council has Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Linus Nkan as Chairman with the Head of Debt Management Office, Mrs. Enobong Kubiat Okpongkpong as Secretary .
Members are Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Uwemedimo Nwoko, Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Akan Okon, Accountant-General, Pastor Uwem Essien and Executive Secretary Bureau of Public Procurement, Mr. Ndifreke Benson Akpan.
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