The International Federation of Accountants has urged electorates to hold all political office holders accountable for their stewardship during their tenure in office.
The president of IFA, Ms. Olivia Kirtley, advised Nigerians to ask questions and make their leaders give reasons for all decision taken on their behalf. According to her, Nigeria has been named as one of the three countries that produced 75 per cent of accountants in Africa, noting that the country has a strong base as far as the accounting profession is concerned and urged the professionals to ensure there is transparency in governance.
She said, “Accountants should educate politicians and governments at all levels on the need to have stronger professional accountants. They need to establish good relations with government at all levels and the political class to have firm regulation of the profession. The capability of accountants to provide financial information to companies and governments was vital if accountants were really going to grow the economy.”
She stated that with their continental leadership roles in accountancy, Nigerian accountants could help other African nations with the best practices in the accounting profession. The President of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Mr. Titus Soetan, explained that lack of accountability in public and private offices has contributed greatly to Nigeria’s underdevelopment.
“To really get high level of professional capability, there is need for capacity building. There should also be strong governance as a key element of accountability. We need to empower people to have strong flair for governance. Good governance is very key to accountability and transparency,” he said.
