Removed Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River has called for prudent management of local government funds with strict adherence to accountability, transparency and principle of value for money. The governor made the call in Calabar at a workshop entitled ``Institutionalising Due Process Mechanism in Local Government Administration'' for council officials.

Represented by Mr Fidelis Ugbo, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Imoke said prudent management of resources would make it easier for government to provide social amenities to the people.

``The presence of these amenities will no doubt make business to thrive and create the right environment for more social interaction and political development,'' he said. The governor said no contract should be paid without a Due Process Certificate signed and issued by the Due Process Office of the councils.

Speaking earlier, Dr Tom Ogar, the Special Adviser to the Governor, Due Process and Price Intelligence Department, said the purpose of the workshop was to institutionalise due process reforms in the various councils. Ogar said the Due Process and Intelligence Department was formed to effectively regulate the procurement system and strictly apply the principle of ``value for money'' in the use of public funds.

According to Ogar, the need for efficiency, transparency and accountability in appropriation and utilisation of public funds could not be over-emphasised. He called on the council administration to create frontiers that would enhance growth and development.

Also speaking, Mr Edem Ekong, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said entrenching due process in the system was a good mechanism to adopt to slow down corruption and eradicate it. ``When we do succeed in slowing down corruption in the system, we will engender confidence in the country and in the people,'' he said.