EFCC warns council chairmen on financial misuse
By Peter Uwumarogie
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cautioned council chairmen across Nigeria, including those in Gombe State, against viewing financial autonomy as an opportunity for embezzlement.
EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, issued the warning at the Gombe State Local Government Summit on Wednesday, urging council chairmen and executives to resist the temptation of financial misconduct.
He emphasised that local government officials do not have immunity and warned that any breach of financial laws would be prosecuted without delay.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision granting local government autonomy, Olukoyede announced that the EFCC would deploy additional personnel to Gombe State to monitor fund management.
“Only the Governor and Deputy Governor have constitutional immunity. Local council chairmen, you do not have immunity,” he stated.
He added that the EFCC would not wait until officials leave office to ensure accountability and transparency in financial matters.
Olukoyede reminded council chairmen that financial autonomy does not equate to constitutional immunity, stressing that their use of public funds would be closely monitored.
He described the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy and direct fund allocation as a welcome development that should enhance council funding.
He expressed concerns that, given past mismanagement and lack of accountability, local government funds might not be properly utilised.
According to him, council resources have often been misused, turning councils into “ATMs for corrupt officials” who divert public funds for personal gain.
The EFCC chairman noted that councils’ financial struggles and failure to meet community obligations raised serious concerns about their fiscal viability and effectiveness.
He acknowledged that many council chairmen have blamed inefficiency on state governors’ control and the diversion of local government funds.
With financial autonomy now in place, he stressed that such excuses would no longer be valid, and chairmen would be held accountable for any mismanagement.
He urged them to embrace transparency and integrity, using autonomy to implement meaningful projects that benefit their communities.
Additionally, he encouraged council officials to enhance their capacity in resource management, ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
“Acquire more knowledge and build your capacity on relevant laws guiding financial management. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” he warned.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit’s theme was ‘Local Government Autonomy, Fiscal Responsibility and Sustainable Development.’ (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
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