The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has issued a strong warning to local government chairmen across Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2024 Annual Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents in Abuja, he cautioned against the mismanagement or theft of public funds allocated for grassroots development.
Fagbemi reminded the chairmen that the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy was intended to empower local communities, not enrich individuals. He warned that any misuse of funds would attract serious legal consequences, including imprisonment.
“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 stated.
Highlighting the key responsibilities of local governments, he stressed the importance of prioritising essential services such as education, healthcare for pregnant women and infants, and welfare programmes for vulnerable populations.
He urged council leaders to focus on fulfilling their constitutional roles, warning that projects beyond their jurisdiction, like building airports, would not be tolerated.
The AGF also criticised state governments that undermine local government autonomy despite Supreme Court rulings mandating financial and administrative independence. He praised the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its efforts to strengthen governance structures at all levels.
Fagbemi further called on the media to promote accurate reporting on governance and judicial issues. “Good governance is a collaborative effort, and every tier of government must be held accountable,” he said.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, also spoke, emphasising the importance of credible journalism in fostering trust in the judiciary. “Your work is integral to fostering a transparent and accountable judiciary,” she noted.
