Fagbemi Issues Strong Warning To Governors Over Tampering With LG Funds

Fagbemi Issues Strong Warning To Governors Over Tampering With LG FundsThe Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has issued a stern warning to state governors, urging them not to interfere with local government funds. Fagbemi emphasized that such actions could be classified as gross misconduct, an impeachable offence under the law.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the 2024 national conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), Fagbemi highlighted the implications of the July 11, 2024, Supreme Court ruling, which granted financial autonomy to local governments across the country. He pointed out that any governor who tampers with local government finances would be committing an impeachable offence.

In his paper titled ‘Aftermath of Supreme Court Judgment on Local Government Financial Autonomy: What Next?’, the Justice Minister stressed that local government chairmen who misuse public funds or fail to fulfill their constitutional duties could face criminal charges and imprisonment.

Fagbemi also reminded the 774 local government chairmen across the country that unlike state governors, they do not have immunity from prosecution. He cautioned them to be mindful of governors who might attempt to exert undue influence over local government affairs.

The AGF further clarified that any debts incurred by state governments in relation to their official functions must be borne by the states, not local governments. He emphasized that local governments are not constitutionally responsible for funding state-level projects.

Fagbemi underscored the crucial role that local governments play in fostering grassroots development, urging council chairmen and officials to focus on their constitutional duties. He stressed the importance of accessible primary education, quality healthcare for pregnant women and infants, and welfare programs for vulnerable groups.

The Justice Minister also noted that the Supreme Court’s decision to grant financial autonomy to local governments was aimed at bringing democratic governance closer to the people and empowering local officials to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.

Fagbemi commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to strengthening governance structures at all levels and urged local government officials to embrace transparency in their operations. He concluded by warning that the era of impunity was over and that the law would now be enforced more rigorously.

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