Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, has warned Local Government Area (LGA) chairpersons against tampering with public funds, stating that those found guilty would be prosecuted.
Speaking on Thursday at the 2024 Annual Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) in Abuja, Fagbemi addressed the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024, judgment granting financial autonomy to LGAs.
In his paper titled “Aftermath of Supreme Court Judgment on Local Government Financial Autonomy: What Next?”, the AGF emphasized that the judgment was intended to empower LGAs to perform their constitutional responsibilities effectively, without interference from state governments.
Fagbemi further stated that any misuse of LGA funds by governors would be treated as gross misconduct, which could lead to impeachment.
He also noted that the financial autonomy granted to LGAs means that debts incurred by state governments should not be shared with local councils.
“If LGA chairpersons misuse public funds or fail to fulfill their constitutional duties, they risk facing jail time,” Fagbemi warned.
“The trust placed in them must not be betrayed. Primary education, healthcare for pregnant women and infants, and welfare for the vulnerable must be prioritized.”
The AGF’s comments reflect the government’s push to ensure that the financial autonomy granted to LGAs is fully implemented, enabling them to serve their constituents effectively.
In her address, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), highlighted the crucial role the judiciary and the media play in societal development.
Represented by Abdulaziz Olumo, Secretary of the National Judicial Council (NJC), she called for ethical reporting to enhance public confidence in the judiciary’s work, reinforcing the complementary roles of both sectors in upholding justice and accountability.