EFCC probes 774 local government chairmen over spending of public funds. Investigation checks allocations, projects, procurement after Supreme Court autonomy ruling.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly commenced investigations into the financial activities of Nigeria's 774 local government chairmen following the restoration of direct access to funds allocated to local governments.
*EFCC PROBES 774 LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMEN OVER SPENDING OF PUBLIC FUNDS*
According to a report by The Punch, the investigation is being conducted through the EFCC's various zonal and state offices across the country to establish how local government chairmen have managed and utilised public funds under the new financial arrangement.
The commission is reportedly examining how much money each local government has received, how the funds have been spent, and whether the chairmen have maintained proper financial records and complied with established accountability requirements.
The investigation is also expected to determine whether greater financial autonomy for local governments is translating into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians, particularly in rural communities.
Among the areas of interest are the management of council allocations, transparency in procurement, execution of development projects and the delivery of essential services to residents.
*The Supreme Court Judgment That Changed Everything*
The probe follows the landmark Supreme Court judgment of July 11, 2024, which affirmed the financial autonomy of Nigeria's 774 local government areas and directed that allocations be paid directly into their accounts rather than being controlled or withheld by state governments.
In October 2024, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had also announced the commission's intention to monitor local government budget performance and ensure that allocations were used for approved projects and programmes.
Although the commission's spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for comments by The Punch at the time of filing its report, sources within the commission reportedly confirmed that the exercise was nationwide and being conducted discreetly.
*GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT MUST BE THE ULTIMATE TEST*
The investigation raises an important question about the purpose of local government financial autonomy: Has direct access to public funds translated into meaningful development for ordinary Nigerians?
Financial autonomy should not merely give local government chairmen greater control over public money; it should also impose greater responsibility to account for every allocation received.
Residents deserve functional primary healthcare centres, accessible roads, clean water, improved public schools, proper sanitation, rural infrastructure and other essential services.
The EFCC's responsibility must therefore extend beyond examining financial records to ensuring that credible evidence of financial misconduct is properly investigated and that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.
It is equally important to emphasise that an investigation does not establish guilt. The chairmen concerned are entitled to due process, and any allegations of wrongdoing must be supported by evidence.
*EDITOR'S NOTE*
Local government autonomy must not become another opportunity for the mismanagement of public resources.
The billions of naira allocated to Nigeria's 774 local government areas belong to the people, not the chairmen, councillors or political godfathers who occupy positions of authority.
The era of treating local government allocations as private political entitlements must give way to transparency, accountability and measurable development.
Our position is simple: Let the money work for the people. Let the books speak. Let accountability prevail.
*SUNRISE NIGERIA — Truth is timeless, fact is sacred.*
