Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr.Lateef Fagbemi, has cautioned Local Government Chairmen across the Country against mismanaging or looting public funds.
Mr Fagbemi stated this in Abuja, at the 2024 Annual Conference of the National Association of Judiciary correspondents
He charged the Council Chairmen to fulfil their responsibilities effectively.
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.
He emphasized the importance of accountability and good governance, reiterating that tampering with local government funds would attract severe legal consequences, including imprisonment.
The AGF, while highlighting the role Local Governments play in promoting grassroots development, urged the Chairmen and other officials to prioritise their constitutional duties.
According to him, primary education must be accessible to every child, pregnant women and infants must receive quality healthcare, and the vulnerable in the 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
The Minister berated states that attempt to bypass these rulings through questionable legislation.
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 and warned that the era of impunity is over.
Mr Fagbemi also called on the media to ensure accurate and responsible reportage of issues related to governance and judicial proceedings.
