Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has directed banks operating in the State to furnish him with detailed information on accounts opened by Ministries, Parastatals and other government Agencies.
Dr. Uduaghan who gave the directives during a meeting with Regional and Bank Managers in Asaba said the statement of account should reach him latest by Monday next week.
He explained that the directive became imperative because some government agencies open account without following the required guideline by seeking approval from the State Accountant General.
The Governor further explained that there was a standing government order which stipulates that no government Ministry, Parastatal or agency should open an account without clearance from the State Accountant General adding that any account opened without following that procedure will run counter to that order.
“I want to have all accounts of ministries and government agencies in your bank, failure to do this the bank will have problem with the state government”.
He continued “This has become important because some accounts are being opened by government agencies without the authorization of the AG. This is not supposed to be so”.
Dr. Uduaghan promised to fast-track economic growth and development in the state in the next four years explaining that the new vision will require a strong partnership with the banks in the state to achieve set goals.
Explaining further, he observed that the meeting was called to work out modalities for the new partnership especially on how banks would help support the state government financially.
“For this 2nd term in office, our main focus is to create job for our youths, we will ensure that we complete the on-going infrastructure, build new ones. The bottom line of this is that we need enough finance to actualize this vision that is why we want to partner with Banks to achieve this.”
Dr. Uduaghan noted that his administration has placed more emphasis on transparency and accountability and appealed to Banks to assist the state government in its prudent management of resources and closing all leakage points.
Responding, the Chairman of Bankers Association, Mr. Godwin Adolo expressed their readiness to continue to partner with the state government to achieve its three point agenda
He explained that the association was prepared to initiate programs and projects that would ensure the progress of Delta State.
“As banks we are your partners, we are prepared to initiate programs, projects and support to ensure that there is progress in the state. This will provide a conducive environment for us (bank) to continue to thrive.
Mr. Adolo, congratulated the governor for the different development projects in the state stressing that the Asaba International Airport, the Scholarship to students, Micro Credit Scheme were concrete testimonies of his desire to meet the wishes and aspirations of Deltans.
