The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, warned on Thursday that any state governor who tampers with funds allocated to their Local Government Areas (LGAs) will be guilty of gross misconduct, which constitutes an impeachable offense.
Speaking at the 2024 annual conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) in Abuja, the AGF urged caution to the 774 LGA chairmen across Nigeria, advising them against mismanaging local government funds.
In his address, titled “Aftermath of Supreme Court Judgment on Local Government Financial Autonomy: What Next?”, Fagbemi emphasized that the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024, judgment granting financial autonomy to LGAs means any governor interfering with LGA finances commits a serious violation. He described this act as gross misconduct, which could lead to impeachment.
The AGF further highlighted the importance of local governments in advancing grassroots development, urging council chairmen and other local government officials to uphold their constitutional duties. He stressed the need for accessible primary education, quality healthcare for pregnant women and infants, and sustainable welfare programs for the vulnerable.
Fagbemi also pointed out that if any LGA chairman misuses public funds and neglects their duties, they risk imprisonment, as local government chairmen do not have the same immunity as state governors. He clarified that any debts incurred by governors in the course of their duties should be the state’s responsibility, not that of the LGAs, as such projects are outside the constitutional scope of local governments.
The AGF commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for strengthening governance structures at all levels and urged local government officials to prioritize transparency, stating that the era of impunity is over.
Fagbemi also called on the media to report accurately and responsibly on governance and judicial matters, stressing that good governance is a collective effort, with each government tier being held accountable.
In her speech, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, represented by Mr. Abdullaziz Olumo, Secretary of the National Judicial Institute, affirmed that both the judiciary and the media have crucial, complementary roles in societal development. She cautioned against sensationalism and “trial by media,” which can prejudge cases and undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, in his keynote address, emphasized the importance of the legal profession in maintaining societal stability. He urged the judiciary to ensure judgments reflect true justice and avoid technicalities. Ozekhome also advised judges and lawyers to maintain ethical standards and avoid improper influence.
The conference concluded with remarks by Mr. Kayode Lawal, Chairman of the Judiciary Correspondents in Abuja, who praised the Supreme Court’s decision on local government financial autonomy, which he believes has revitalized the third tier of government. He also lamented the increasing trend of conflicting court rulings and the decline in public trust in the justice system, calling for reform to address these challenges.
