Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its determination not to discriminate in the fight against corrupt individuals in the State.
Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo stated this when members of the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Port Harcourt Chapter, paid her a courtesy visit in Government House, Port Harcourt.
Dr. Banigo charged Women Accountants to champion the ongoing anti-corruption crusade so as to achieve set objective in all tiers to Government.
The Deputy Governor noted that the ongoing anti-corruption crusade should cut across all segments of society and requires accountants to be in the driving seat, adding that women professionals appear to be more accountable in their disciplines.
‘’We are moving on with the anti-corruption crusade that is going on in the country. We believe that there should be no ‘sacred-cows’. It will cut across all persons and party affiliation so that it will be seen to be a transparent crusade.”
She urged Female Accountants to demonstrate high sense of responsibility and transparency in the discharge of their professional duties.
”Accountants are entrusted with the management of public funds and that places a lot of responsibility on your shoulders which you must endeavor to protect. ”Dr. Banigo stated.
The Deputy Governor assured that the State Governor Nyesom Wike is leading a gender sensitive administration as exemplified in the first two appointments made shortly on the assumption of office.
According to her, the State Government will continue to do more for women and indicated willingness to partner with Women Accountants in the task of providing good governance to Rivers people, particularly in proffering ideas on how to improve the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
She also urged them not to pursue their career at the expense of their home fronts.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Port Harcourt Chapter, Mrs. Ernestina Anierobi Agina, congratulated the Deputy Governor on their victory at the April polls noting that the Association is seeking for partnership with the State Government to bring about significant development in the State.
Mrs. Agina noted that the Association has been in existence for over 30 years and was only inaugurated in the State in 2012, noting that it has since embarked on career talks and mentorship programmes for secondary school students as well as awarding scholarships to the less privilege in the society.
She commended the State Government for the fast pace of developmental projects going in the State in just few weeks in office while calling for the inclusion of Women Accountants into strategic position of governance of the State.