The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has cautioned local government chairmen across the country against mismanaging or looting public funds.
The AGF stressed that the autonomy granted to local governments by the Supreme Court is to empower the grassroots and not for carting public funds into private pockets as such attitude will not go unpunished.
Fagbemi stated this on Thursday in Abuja, at the 2024 annual conference of the National Association of Judiciary correspondents where he charged the council chairmen to fulfil their responsibilities effectively.
He emphasised the importance of accountability and good governance, reiterating that tampering with local government funds would attract severe legal consequences, including imprisonment.
He said, “If they choose to tamper with public funds and fail to deliver on their constitutional mandates, they risk going to jail. The trust placed in them must not be betrayed.”
Fagbemi, while highlighting the role local governments play in promoting grassroots development, urged the chairmen and other officials to prioritise their constitutional duties.
He said, “Primary education must be accessible to every child, pregnant women and infants must receive quality healthcare, and the vulnerable in our society must benefit from sustainable welfare programmes.”
The AGF also complained about the actions of some state governments that have chosen to undermine local government autonomy.
He referenced the Supreme Court’s rulings mandating financial and administrative independence for local governments, criticising states that attempt to bypass these rulings through questionable legislation.
“Any debt incurred by local governments must align with their constitutional functions. Projects like building airports, which are outside their scope, will not be tolerated,” he asserted.
The AGF commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to strengthening governance structures at all levels. He urged local government officials to embrace transparency, warning that the era of impunity was over.
Fagbemi also called on the media to ensure accurate and responsible reportage of issues related to governance and judicial proceedings.
“Good governance is a collaborative effort, and every tier of government must be held accountable,” he said.
He added that of the three tiers of government in the country, the judiciary remains the best and least corrupt.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on her part, noted that the media and the judiciary play critical roles in the development of the society.
She said, “I must emphasise the importance of credible journalism in strengthening public trust in the judiciary.
“Your work is integral to fostering a transparent and accountable judiciary, and your dedication to these ideals will contribute significantly to the advancement of justice in our society.”
