The Federal Government has announced its intention to take legal action against any elected officials found to be collaborating with governors in the misappropriation of financial allocations intended for the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Nigeria. This move comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling, which granted financial autonomy to local governments, and the government’s commitment to ensuring that funds are properly managed.
Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, revealed the government’s stance during the 2024 Annual General Conference of the Abuja Chapter of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC). He stated that any official who aids governors in diverting LGA funds would face serious legal consequences.
“The diversion of funds meant for local governments is a criminal act and will be treated as an impeachable offense,” Fagbemi asserted. He emphasized that the Federal Government is aware of governors’ tactics to plant loyalists in LGAs, particularly through questionable elections, in order to exert control over the funds meant for those regions.
Although the Federal Government has no authority to interfere directly in local government elections, Fagbemi made it clear that any elected official found guilty of mismanaging funds allocated to the LGAs will face prosecution. This legal framework is part of the broader effort to address the widespread mismanagement of LGA resources across the country.
Fagbemi further highlighted that the Federal Government’s decision to challenge the allocation of funds at the Supreme Court was driven by the appalling conditions of many LGA secretariats. He explained that the financial control exercised by state governors over these local bodies had reached a point where basic administrative tasks, such as purchasing office supplies, required prior approval from the governors.
He described the situation as deeply troubling, sharing his frustration with the persistent arguments by governors who claimed that local governments were not mature enough to manage their own affairs. “How better are you? Leave them to manage themselves,” Fagbemi remarked, dismissing these excuses.
The AGF also warned that local government officials who fall into the trap of mismanaging their allocations face significant risks, including potential imprisonment. “The governors have immunity, but you don’t. It’s very easy to find yourself in Kuje or other prisons across Nigeria,” he cautioned.
In his remarks, Fagbemi lauded President Bola Tinubu for standing firm on the issue, despite intense political pressure. “I give kudos to President Tinubu, who despite the pressure, was able to stand up and say that he is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and that the 774 local governments are also people to be protected,” he said.
The Attorney-General also hinted that the government may take further legal action to challenge the authority of state governments to conduct Area Council elections, particularly if these elections are seen as a means of furthering the interests of state governors at the expense of local autonomy.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), represented by Mr. Abdullaziz Olumo, the Secretary of the National Judicial Institute, also addressed the conference. Olumo urged journalists to avoid sensationalism in their reporting, stressing the importance of accurate and responsible journalism, especially when covering legal matters. He expressed concern over what he described as “trial by media,” where premature reports can prejudice ongoing cases and violate constitutional rights.
In a keynote speech, renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Prof. Mike Ozekhome emphasized the need for the judiciary to maintain its credibility by ensuring that justice is delivered without compromise. Ozekhome stressed that courts should not allow technicalities to overshadow the pursuit of justice, calling for a fair balance in the treatment of all parties involved in legal disputes.
He also cautioned judges against denying lawyers the opportunity to fully present their cases in court, asserting that such actions would undermine the integrity of the judicial process. “The role of courts in the enforcement of judgments is critical,” Ozekhome added, underscoring the importance of ensuring that justice is upheld for all citizens.
Mr. Kayode Lawal, the Chairman of the Abuja Chapter of NAJUC, welcomed attendees to the conference and reiterated the media’s commitment to fair and balanced reporting. He called for a comprehensive reform within the legal system, particularly in addressing corruption among lawyers and judges. Lawal urged that lawyers found to be compromising the integrity of the judiciary should face prompt and decisive punishment.
