Uzodinma made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 55th Biennial Conference of the Body of Federal and State Auditors-General held in Owerri, Imo State.

The governor said accountability remained fundamental to good governance, noting that the Imo State Audit Law enacted in 2021 was part of efforts to strengthen the financial independence and institutional capacity of the State Audit Office.

He said auditors had responsibilities beyond examining financial records, stressing that they must also ensure that public funds were properly utilised and translated into tangible benefits for citizens.

With the theme, “Safeguarding Public Resources and Enhancing Citizens’ Trust: The Strategic Role of Auditor-Generals,” the conference provided a platform for discussions on improving public financial management and strengthening citizens’ confidence in government institutions.

Uzodinma urged auditors to go beyond identifying financial irregularities by ensuring that appropriate corrective measures were taken to address identified shortcomings.

He also called on auditors to preserve their independence and remain willing to ask difficult questions whenever public resources were improperly managed.

The governor said a strong and independent audit system was essential to promoting transparency, accountability and responsible management of public funds.

He encouraged the auditors-general to continue playing their oversight role effectively in order to protect public resources and strengthen citizens’ trust in government.