The Federal Government has announced plans to initiate criminal actions against elected officials who collaborate with governors to divert funds allocated for the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the country. This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling that granted financial autonomy to the LGs.
Speaking at the 2024 Annual General Conference of the Abuja Chapter of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, described the diversion of LGA funds by governors as an impeachable offense. He added that while the Federal Government cannot intervene in LG elections, it will take legal action against officials who mismanage funds from the federation account.
The AGF emphasized that the deplorable state of many LG secretariats prompted the Federal Government to take the 36 state governors to the Supreme Court. He also warned that his office would challenge the powers of state governments to conduct Area Council elections if necessary.
Prince Fagbemi commended President Bola Tinubu for standing firm against external pressures and ensuring that the rights of the 774 local governments were upheld.
During the conference, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), represented by the Secretary of the National Judicial Institute, Mr. Abdullaziz Olumo, urged journalists to avoid sensationalism and “trial by media” that prejudge cases. Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, in his keynote address, highlighted the need for the judiciary to ensure justice is not compromised by technicalities.
The Chairman of NAJUC, Mr. Kayode Lawal, called for comprehensive reforms to punish lawyers who attempt to compromise judges.
Comments