Date: 2012-06-23

Auditors-General in the country have been advised to adopt international best practices to strengthen Nigeria's democracy. Mr Rasak Atunwa, the Speaker of Kwara House of Assembly, gave the advice in Ilorin on Friday while receiving the Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr Samuel Ukura, and his counterparts from the states.

According to him, the work of auditors-general is pivotal to the strengthening of the nation's democracy as it will put government's functionaries on their toes.

He said that proper auditing of government's accounts would wipe out corruption and ensure transparency in governance.

''It is not in doubt that effective auditing of government's accounts will wipe out corruption and nepotism in the polity as well as ensure transparency and accountability in governance.

''Auditing is not about figure alone, but observation of due process to attain viable results,'' he said.

Atunwa assured the auditors that lawmakers would support fiscal autonomy that would enhance their performance.

Earlier, Ukura had pledged that his counterparts from the 36 states would continue to assist Public Account Committee of the States House of Assembly in order to ensure robust auditing system.

He said that his office was resolute in ensuring that the nation's auditing system met international best practices.

(NAN)