- The Federal Government will take criminal action against elected officials who divert local government funds.
- The decision is in line with the Supreme Court’s judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments.
- The Attorney-General of the Federation described the diversion of local government funds by governors as an impeachable offense.
The Federal Government has vowed to take criminal action against elected officials who collude with governors to divert funds meant for the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria. This decision is in line with the Supreme Court’s judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments.
According to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the diversion of local government funds by governors is an impeachable offense. The Federal Government is aware that some governors have installed their loyalists in local governments through questionable elections.
While the Federal Government cannot interfere with local government elections, it will take elected officials to court if they mismanage funds released to them from the federation account. The Attorney-General’s office is also prepared to challenge the powers of state governments to conduct Area Council elections.
The Federal Government’s stance is a significant step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in local government funds management.
