The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega
An internal audit at the Independent National Electoral Commission has uncovered a systemic abuse of extant rules regarding staff loans.
This was discovered by internal auditors examining INEC’s financial records from January to June 2010.
The auditors discovered that some members of staff were given loans above approved limits.
THE PUNCH learnt in Abuja on Sunday that the issue had caused a stir within the commission.
However, some of the affected members of staff are said to be making efforts to settle the debts.
A member of staff, who spoke under condition of anonymity, alleged that the INEC used official loans and advances for political patronage.
In a number of cases, such loans were not repaid and affected members of staff went unpunished.
According to the source, “You had to ‘belong’ to get a loan in those days.
“Some received several loans even when they had not repaid the previous ones.
“Those of us who were not in the commission’s good books were denied advances, even when we deserved them.”
Perhaps, in a bid to pre-empt the final outcome of the internal audit, the Director of Human Resources Management, Mr. Dahiru Ibrahim, has written an official memo to members of staff entitled “Contravention of Rules Regarding Loans in the Public Service.”
It reads in part, “It has come to the attention of the commission that (members of) staff are in the habit of collecting loans above their loan ceiling.
“This is unacceptable as it contravenes extant rules regarding such loans.
“Members of staff are by this circular advised to verify from the accounts department when applying for such loans to ensure proper guidance, as failure to do so will attract sanctions. Please be advised.”
INEC’s director of internal audit had earlier written a memo to heads of department demanding records of financial transactions.
Source:http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011151382598
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