The Bauchi State House of Assembly has rejected criticisms over its handling of the Auditor-General’s report, with the chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Mubarak Haruna, describing the allegations as baseless and misleading.
Haruna, who represents Jama’are Constituency, spoke with journalists on Tuesday to address reports alleging that the Public Accounts Committee failed to act on audit queries raised against the state government. He dismissed the claims as an attempt to discredit the Bauchi State Government, the governor and the legislature.
He stated that the reports were unfounded and did not reflect the realities of the committee’s work since it assumed office. According to him, the committee has consistently carried out its constitutional oversight responsibilities in line with due process and legislative guidelines.
Haruna stressed that his position was not influenced by political affiliation. He said he is not a member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and has no intention of joining it, adding that his comments were aimed solely at setting the record straight.
He insisted that there were no missing figures or unresolved audit issues as alleged in the reports. He described such claims as falsehoods that were not supported by any verified documentation or official findings of the committee.
The lawmaker disclosed that the Public Accounts Committee conducted extensive oversight visits to ministries, departments and agencies across the state. He said similar visits were also carried out at local government councils as part of the committee’s mandate.
According to Haruna, during these visits, management teams of the MDAs and local councils presented official financial records and documents to the committee for scrutiny. He said the committee carefully examined the submissions in line with existing audit and financial regulations.
He maintained that after thorough investigations, the committee did not uncover any of the figures or allegations referenced in the reports circulating in the media. He said the committee’s findings were based strictly on verifiable records obtained through lawful processes.
Haruna outlined several steps taken by the House through the Public Accounts Committee in addressing audit matters. These include the review and scrutiny of audit reports, investigations into alleged financial irregularities, and public hearings involving accounting officers of affected institutions.
He also noted that the committee monitored the implementation of audit recommendations and conducted budget defence sessions for the Offices of the Auditor-General for both the state and local governments. He said these actions were part of ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability.
In a key disclosure, Haruna said all audit queries and observations contained in the 2024 Auditor-General’s report had been fully addressed. He said the committee ensured that every issue raised was treated in accordance with constitutional and legislative provisions.
The PAC chairman warned members of the public against relying on documents or narratives that had not passed through legally recognised procedures. He said only reports and findings formally presented to the House should be regarded as credible.
Haruna emphasised that until due process is followed, any information being circulated outside official channels should be treated as speculation. He said the House would not respond to what he described as unverified and politically motivated claims.
He also pointed to recently passed laws by the Bauchi State House of Assembly aimed at strengthening financial management and oversight. According to him, these laws were designed to improve transparency and ensure better control of public funds.
Haruna added that the Public Accounts Committee regularly submits reports of its activities and findings to the full House for deliberation and necessary action. He said this process reinforces accountability within the legislature.
The lawmaker praised the administration of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, saying the executive has consistently implemented resolutions of the House related to transparency and accountability. He stressed that the legislature remains independent and free from executive interference.
He assured residents of the state that the House has nothing to hide and remains committed to upholding truth, due process and constitutional responsibility in the discharge of its duties.
Haruna urged the public to disregard what he described as misleading and unverified reports intended to create confusion and undermine confidence in the Assembly.
He concluded by saying that Bauchi State belongs to its people and not to any individual, adding that lawmakers remain committed to serving citizens with integrity, transparency and independence.
