The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has said that the recent judgement of the Supreme Court granting financial autonomy to Local Governments is not wasted.
Speaking on claims that the verdict may not have any meaningful impact unless the task of conducting local government elections is transferred to another body, Fagbemi said that such issues would be addressed when they arise.
The AGF urged the various anti-corruption agencies to be up and doing because they are required to oversight the deployment of funds at the Local Government level.
He stated this in Abuja on Friday during an opening session of the validation meeting of the National Anti-corruption Strategy (NACS) Action Plan 2022 – 2026.
Fagbemi warned LG Chairmen that while state governors enjoy autonomy, reverse is the case for them, adding that they would end up going to jail alone if a governor ask them to commit a crime and they accept.
According to him, “I told them that when we get to that bridge, we will cross it. But, one thing that I keep saying is that the governors have immunity, but local government chairmen do not. The councilors don’t have.
“So, it will be very easy to put them where they belong. In any event, we need activities at the Local Government level.
“They are not to be over-sighted by anybody, except by the critical anti-corruption agencies – the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practice and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the police and others, when the need arises.
“And, as often as the need arises, we will deal with that aspect.
“So, if a governor asks you to go and commit a crime and you accept, he will not follow you to Kuje or Kirikiri. No, you are on your own.
“So, this is a challenge to the anti-corruption agencies and I know that they are up to the task.”
He argued that it was unnecessary to preach to those who will be at the helm of affairs at the local government level because they are expected to be able to read and write and differentiate right from wrong.
“You don’t have to preach to anybody. Those who would become Chairmen and Counsellors, at least should be able to read and write. They will know that it is a crime to steal and that if you steal, the penalty is there,” he added.