Coalition calls for continuance focus in appointment of substantive Auditor-General

A coalition of ten Civil Society Groups under the auspices of Good Governance Forum has called for continuance focus on the selection of the substantive Auditor General of the Federation according to the provisions of section 86 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The coalition in a press statement released in Abuja Sunday, signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Mohammed Isiaka, stated that the process set in motion by the Chairman of Federal Civil Service Commission be allowed to continue unabated noting that it was the prerogative of the Chairman of the Commission to lead the process of selecting substantive Auditor General as required by law.

Quoting section 86 of 1999 constitution as amended which stated thus, “The Auditor-General for the Federation shall be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Federal Civil Service Commission subject to confirmation by the Senate.

“(The Federal Civil Service Commission is responsible for recommending to the President who the Auditor General of the Federation will be but this appointment can only be binding once the Senate confirms it.)”

They informed that non appointment of substantive Auditor General for the Federation (OAuGF) is threatening the stability of the office to carry out its constitutional functions in the Audit House.

Isiaka informed that in line with the provisions of the constitution, Federal Civil Service Commission sent a letter dated 18th January, 2023 inviting “all eligible candidates shortlisted for selection exercise which include most senior directors who grew up in the system but still has up to two years left in Service to appear for accreditation.

His words, “It is on record the commission first did written exercise followed by computer text and oral interview which were adjudged to be transparent and followed due process.

“It is against this background, that the coalition is asking that the planned interview for Tuesday May 09 2023 be allowed to hold for the selection of prospective appointees that will be presented to President Muhammadu Buhari by the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission.

“There is no doubt this process if followed religiously will allow for a good and harmonious working relationship devoid of rancour among the Directors and other staff of the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation” the group concluded.