FROM RABILU ABUBAKAR, GOMBE
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has cautioned council chairmen across Nigeria, including Gombe State, against misusing financial autonomy for embezzlement.
Speaking at the Gombe State Local Government Summit, the EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede reminded officials that financial autonomy does not grant them immunity from prosecution.
He warned that any financial misconduct would be swiftly addressed, emphasizing that only governors and their deputies have constitutional immunity.
“Council chairmen do not have immunity. Mismanagement of funds will attract immediate prosecution,” Olukoyede stated, adding that the EFCC would deploy additional personnel to monitor local government fund management in Gombe.
He praised the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, describing it as an opportunity to improve grassroots development but raised concerns about potential misuse of funds.
Olukoyede urged council chairmen to prioritise transparency and use their autonomy for impactful community projects, stressing the importance of compliance with financial regulations.
“Build your capacity on laws guiding financial management. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” he warned.
The summit, themed ‘Local Government Autonomy, Fiscal Responsibility, and Sustainable Development,’ highlighted the need for accountability to ensure local governments meet their obligations effectively.
