A Jalingo-based law firm, Barrister Isa Buba and Associates, has called on the Taraba State Government to investigate alleged irregularities, fraudulent promotions, and credential forgery within the Office of the Auditor-General for Local Government.
In a formal petition addressed to the Head of Civil Service, Ahmed Kara, the law firm raised alarm over what it described as a “growing pattern of administrative misconduct” within the local government audit office. The petition, dated Sunday, accuses some civil servants of bypassing established procedures to secure top-level positions, including Grade Levels 15, 16, and 17, as well as Director roles.
The firm stated that it received insider information suggesting that several individuals without the required qualifications or experience had been promoted in violation of the civil service rules, which mandate a minimum of four years of meritorious service before an officer becomes eligible for such promotions.
Barrister Isa Buba and Associates noted that these promotions not only break the rules but also undermine professionalism in the civil service. According to the petition, qualified officers holding Master’s degrees (MSc) and professional certifications from bodies like the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) are being passed over for promotion in favour of less qualified individuals.
“The civil service structure is built on merit, order, and fairness. Once these values are compromised, it affects the entire system,” the petition reads.
The firm praised Mr. Ahmed Kara for his efforts since assuming office as Head of Service, especially in promoting order and professionalism in the civil service. However, it expressed concern that such gains could be reversed if the alleged misconduct is not addressed swiftly and decisively.
The petitioners urged the state government to conduct a comprehensive review of all recent appointments and promotions made in the Auditor-General’s office over the past five years. They demanded an audit of both promotion records and academic qualifications of all principal officers currently occupying key roles.
“This is not just about legality; it’s about integrity. If we allow this culture of favouritism and shortcut promotions to take root, it will destroy the confidence of hardworking and qualified professionals in the system,” the law firm warned.
The petition also raised concerns that some staff members may be manipulating their records and qualifications in anticipation of the upcoming retirement of the current Auditor-General for Local Government. The law firm claims that some unqualified individuals are attempting to position themselves as possible successors to the top office, raising fears of nepotism and backdoor appointments.
“These manoeuvres appear calculated to hijack the succession process, not on the basis of merit but through deceit and connections,” the petition stated.
The Office of the Auditor-General for Local Government plays a vital role in ensuring financial accountability and transparency across Taraba State’s 16 local government areas. The Auditor-General audits the accounts of all local government councils and reports findings to the State House of Assembly. As such, the office is expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Any lapse in these expectations, civil society groups warn, could lead to unchecked corruption at the grassroots level, mismanagement of funds, and poor service delivery to citizens.
If the state government acts on the petition, a full-scale administrative audit may be conducted in the coming weeks. The review could lead to the demotion or dismissal of those found to have secured positions fraudulently, and possibly legal action for forgery or misrepresentation.
As of press time, neither the Office of the Auditor-General nor the Head of Civil Service had issued an official statement responding to the allegations.
