Warning to Governors on Local Government Funds Mismanagement

 

Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, has issued a stern caution to state governors.

 

During his address on Thursday, he asserted that any governor who interferes with the funds of their Local Government Areas (LGAs) would be committing serious misconduct that could lead to impeachment.

 

While speaking at the 2024 annual conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) in Abuja, Fagbemi admonished the 774 LGA chairmen nationwide against misusing local government funds.

 

Fagbemi elaborated on the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding financial autonomy for LGAs, emphasizing that any governor interfering with these funds is liable for gross misconduct, a serious offense that could lead to impeachment.

 

He underscored the vital function of local governments in fostering grassroots development and encouraged council chairpersons and staff to focus on their constitutional responsibilities.

 

“Every child should have access to primary education, pregnant individuals and infants deserve quality healthcare, and the vulnerable must benefit from ongoing welfare programs,” he remarked. He stressed that financial autonomy was intended to empower local governments to fulfill these obligations effectively.

 

“Local government chairpersons who misuse public funds and neglect their duties may face imprisonment, as they lack the immunity state governors possess,” he noted.

 

Fagbemi also pointed out that any debts accrued by state governors in conducting state business must remain solely their responsibility and should not involve the local governments.

 

He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its efforts to enhance governance and called for local officials to pursue transparency, stating that the age of impunity is over.

 

Additionally, Fagbemi urged media professionals to report governance and judicial matters accurately, insisting that accountability is essential at all levels of government.

 

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, highlighted the cooperative roles of the judiciary and the media in promoting societal development during her remarks.

 

Speaking through the National Judicial Institute’s secretary, Mr. Abdullaziz Olumo, she characterized the judiciary as a protector of justice and law while the media serves as the societal conscience, shaping opinions and ensuring accountability.

 

Justice Kekere-Ekun expressed concerns over sensational news reporting, which distorts facts and erodes public trust in the judiciary. She noted the risks linked to “trial by media,” referring to the U.S. case of Sheppard v. Maxwell, which exemplified the negative impact of excessive media intrusion on justice.

 

Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, in his keynote address, emphasized the importance of the legal profession in maintaining societal stability, urging the judiciary to focus on delivering just outcomes rather than merely adhering to legal formalities.

 

Discussing the conference theme, “The Role of Courts in the Enforcement of Judgements,” he asserted that court rulings must be honored until overturned by a higher authority. He emphasized the courts’ critical role in ensuring compliance with judgments.

 

Ozekhome cautioned lawyers against seeking undue influence from judges, emphasizing the need for cases to be argued formally in court.

 

“Lawyers should present key points to the judges rather than initiating informal discussions about their cases,” he remarked.

 

He also advised judges to refrain from attending functions hosted by politically connected individuals with ongoing cases and to resist corrupt practices.

 

Ozekhome suggested that judges form an association to effectively address unfounded accusations against them.

 

In the welcome address, Mr. Kayode Lawal, chairman of the Abuja chapter of judiciary correspondents, commended the Supreme Court decision on local government financial autonomy for revitalizing this level of government.

 

He acknowledged the conference’s theme as timely, reflecting public hope for positive changes following the Supreme Court ruling.

 

Lawal lamented the troubling trend of conflicting judicial decisions on similar issues by courts of equal standing and noted the deteriorating public trust in the justice system due to some judges’ and lawyers’ misconduct.

 

He insisted that genuine measures must be taken to rectify the situation and called on the Nigerian Bar Association’s current leadership to address the need for reform within the legal profession, emphasizing the judiciary’s critical role must remain unsullied.