The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cautioned local government chairmen against misusing public funds, stating that financial autonomy is not an excuse for embezzlement.
The warning was issued by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede at a summit titled “Local Government Autonomy, Fiscal Responsibility and Sustainable Development,” which was organized by the Gombe State government.
Olukoyede reminded the council executives that while local governments now enjoy financial independence following a Supreme Court ruling, they do not have immunity from prosecution. He made it clear that any financial misconduct would be met with immediate legal action.
“Only the governor and deputy governor have constitutional immunity. Local council chairmen, you do not have immunity,” he stated.
The EFCC chairman noted that with the Supreme Court’s decision ensuring direct allocation of funds to local governments, there is a need for increased financial discipline. He revealed that more EFCC personnel would be deployed to Gombe State to monitor how council funds are managed.
Olukoyede expressed concern that past mismanagement of local government resources had led to inefficiency and a lack of development in many areas. He said local government funds had often been diverted for personal use, turning councils into “ATMs” for corrupt officials.
He also addressed the longstanding issue of state governments allegedly interfering with local government funds. With autonomy now in place, he stated that council leaders could no longer use this as an excuse for poor performance, adding that they would be held accountable for any financial mismanagement.
The EFCC chairman urged council chairmen to embrace accountability and use their financial independence to bring real development to their communities. He encouraged them to build their capacity in financial management and familiarize themselves with relevant laws to avoid running into legal trouble.
“Acquire more knowledge and build your capacity on relevant laws guiding financial management. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” Olukoyede warned.
