FG Vows To Prosecute Officials Aiding Local Government Fund Diversion

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a strong warning to officials collaborating with state governors to divert allocations meant for the country’s 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs). According to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, criminal proceedings will be initiated against culprits, emphasizing the need to uphold financial autonomy for LGAs as mandated by a Supreme Court judgment.

Enforcing Financial Autonomy for Local Governments
Speaking at the 2024 Annual General Conference of the Abuja Chapter of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), the AGF highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that local governments operate independently. He labeled the mismanagement of LGA funds by governors as both a criminal and impeachable offense.

Fagbemi criticized the practice of state governors installing loyalists in LG positions through flawed elections, which undermine the principle of accountability. While the Federal Government cannot directly intervene in LGA elections, it plans to prosecute elected officials who misuse funds allocated from the federation account.

Tackling Governance Mismanagement
Fagbemi condemned the deplorable state of many LGA secretariats across the nation. He recounted instances where local governments had to seek state governors’ permission to perform basic administrative tasks, such as purchasing office supplies.

He stated:

“Governors have immunity, but local government officials do not. If you engage in fund mismanagement, you risk facing imprisonment.”

The AGF lauded President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering stance on protecting local government autonomy despite significant pressure.

Judiciary’s Role in Justice Delivery
The conference also explored the judiciary’s responsibility in upholding justice and enforcing judgments. In a keynote address, Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN, stressed the need for courts to prioritize fairness over technicalities. He urged judges to provide lawyers with adequate opportunities to present their cases effectively.

Representing the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mr. Abdullaziz Olumo advised journalists against sensational reporting and cautioned against “trial by media,” which could prejudice ongoing cases.

Media’s Responsibility and Advocacy for Reform
The Chairman of the Abuja NAJUC Chapter, Mr. Kayode Lawal, reiterated the media’s dedication to unbiased reporting. He advocated for reforms to ensure that legal professionals compromising judicial integrity face strict consequences.