n July 25, 2024, in Abuja, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), delivered a firm warning to local government council chairmen and councillors regarding the misuse of public funds.
Fagbemi’s statement emphasized the legal and ethical responsibility of local government officials to manage their financial resources correctly and warned that any misappropriation would result in severe consequences, including imprisonment.
This warning follows a recent landmark decision by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which granted financial autonomy to the 774 local governments across the country. On July 11, the Court ruled that the Federal Government must directly deposit local government allocations into their respective accounts, bypassing the state governments.
This decision was a significant step towards enhancing the financial independence and operational efficiency of local governments.
During his address, Fagbemi acknowledged the potential temptation for local government officials to divert funds due to possible pressures from state governments. He highlighted the distinction between governors, who have immunity from prosecution, and local government officials, who do not.
Fagbemi stressed that local government chairmen and councillors must choose between proper management of their funds or facing legal repercussions, including jail time, for any misuse.
The AGF urged local government officials to use their financial resources wisely to benefit their communities, such as investing in infrastructure projects like road construction and upgrades. He emphasized that effective management of local government funds could contribute significantly to improving security and development at the grassroots level.
Fagbemi noted that optimal performance of security agencies often relies on accurate and timely information from local communities, which underscores the importance of efficient local governance.
Fagbemi’s comments reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability at the local government level, following the Supreme Court’s decision on financial autonomy.
His statement serves as a clear directive to local government officials to prioritize their responsibilities and adhere to legal and ethical standards in handling public funds.
The warning also signals the government’s intention to closely monitor the implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling and address any potential financial misconduct promptly.