The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has threatened to prosecute council chairmen found misusing Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), made this known on Thursday. Following the Supreme Court’s July 11 ruling that allocations should be paid directly to local governments, Fagbemi emphasized that council chairmen have no immunity and face jail time if they misuse development funds.
Speaking at the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria’s 17th-anniversary lecture in Abuja, Fagbemi stated, “Local government council chairmen must choose between proper fund usage or risking jail. Their choice is crucial for local development and national security.”
He highlighted that local governments could play a key role in reducing insecurity through grassroots involvement. Fagbemi noted, “If council chairmen misuse funds and end up in jail, it is their choice. If they want to be remembered positively, they must focus on development activities like road construction and other infrastructural projects.”
Fagbemi further explained that the conduct of local elections remains a state responsibility but stressed the distinction between governors, who have immunity, and local government officials, who do not. He added, “Effective local governance can significantly improve security by enhancing the flow of information from the grassroots to security agencies.”
The Supreme Court’s ruling mandates that the Federal Government must withhold allocations from local governments governed by unelected officials appointed by governors. This decision is expected to ensure that funds intended for local development are used appropriately and transparently.
