“Tampering with Council Funds an Impeachable Offense” – FG Warns Governors

The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to states circumventing the July 11 Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments. The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), emphasized that any state enacting laws to undermine the ruling risks facing legal consequences, including contempt proceedings and disciplinary action against their Attorneys General.

Speaking at the 2024 National Conference of the Abuja chapter of the National Association of Judicial Correspondents (NAJUC), Fagbemi highlighted the implications of tampering with local government funds. He stated that governors engaging in such actions could be deemed guilty of gross misconduct, an impeachable offense under the law. Similarly, council chairmen misappropriating funds would face prosecution, as they do not enjoy constitutional immunity.

Fagbemi underscored the transformative impact of the Supreme Court judgment, describing it as a step toward liberating local governments from the control of state governors and promoting grassroots development. He noted that while concerns persist about governors’ influence over local government elections, the Federal Government is exploring legal avenues to address the issue, including possible recourse to the Supreme Court.

The AGF also stressed the need for local governments to prioritize their constitutional duties, such as providing quality primary education, healthcare for pregnant women and children, and welfare programs for vulnerable citizens. He warned governors against shifting state-incurred debts onto local governments, reiterating that financial autonomy is meant to empower local governments to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.

Fagbemi expressed hope that financial independence would encourage more citizens to participate in grassroots politics, enhancing governance at the community level. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of democracy reach all Nigerians, regardless of their location or status.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, represented by the Secretary of the National Judicial Institute, Abdullaziz Olumo, called for fairness and accuracy in media reporting of judicial activities. She criticized sensationalism and “trial by media,” which undermine public confidence in the judiciary. The CJN highlighted the media’s role as a critical partner in advancing democracy and urged ethical reporting to maintain the integrity of the judiciary.

Human rights lawyer Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN) decried attacks on judges, emphasizing the need for judicial officers to uphold their responsibilities with integrity. He warned against judges engaging in practices that could erode public trust, such as celebrating promotions with politically exposed individuals.

The conference also addressed concerns about conflicting judgments by courts of equal jurisdiction. NAJUC Chairman Kayode Lawal praised the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, describing it as a well-researched decision that could revitalize the third tier of government. However, he expressed concern over waning public confidence in the justice system, attributing it to perceived misconduct by some lawyers and judges.