The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen regarding the misuse of Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds, stating that those found guilty will face jail time.

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This was disclosed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), during the 17th-anniversary annual lecture of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) in Abuja yesterday.

Fagbemi emphasized that LGA chairmen do not have immunity and will be held accountable if they tamper with funds intended for local development.

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“We have a situation on our hands,” he said. “The conduct of elections is to be undertaken by the states. But the distinction is this: the governors have immunity, the local government council chairmen or councillors do not. They have to choose between misusing local government funds and risking jail or using the funds properly for development.”

He stressed that proper use of these funds for local projects like road construction and upgrades is crucial for reducing insecurity.

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“If they stay at the local government, we will be able to reduce the level of insecurity in Nigeria. Security agents perform optimally with information from the grassroots,” Fagbemi added.

The minister highlighted the federal government’s decision to seek local government autonomy through the Supreme Court, due to challenges at the state assembly level.

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He noted that local government administration has been hampered for over two decades by state governments not remitting funds meant for local governments.

Fagbemi also urged security agents to adhere to constitutional limits on detention, warning that detention without a court order would no longer be tolerated and those responsible would face sanctions.

HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, echoed the call for reduced government expenditure and blamed corruption for the country’s insecurity and high unemployment rates.

He warned that these issues are driving impending protests across Nigeria.

Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, stated that he would have abandoned his governorship ambition if Governor Godwin Obaseki had approached him reasonably.

Shaibu accused Obaseki of being a dictator and revealed that his resolve to pursue the governorship intensified after Obaseki threatened to destroy him if he did not step down.

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Shaibu claimed he had secured 381 delegates who would have voted for him in the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship primary, but he was prevented from entering the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin where the primary took place on February 22.

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Having now defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress, Shaibu spoke on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the APC National Working Committee in Abuja, expressing feelings of betrayal despite his sacrifices and loyalty to Obaseki.

“The truth is that the issues were all political. I declared to contest for the governor of Edo State. That is where the fight started,” Shaibu said.

He added that he tried to pacify Obaseki, but to no avail, leading him to decide to contest for the governorship.

Shaibu also refuted claims that he took 22 official vehicles after his impeachment, stating that the governor only bought one vehicle for his convoy in their seven and a half years in office.

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Reflecting on their relationship, Shaibu said, “If the governor had shown leadership, maybe I wouldn’t have contested because I am not a desperate person. My ambition is not inordinate. I have an ambition to fix the state. If somebody else can agree that we collectively fix it, I will follow. But the governor wanted to behave like a military dictator.”

Regarding accusations of corruption and misconduct, Shaibu maintained his innocence, explaining that he was not impeached for any wrongdoing.

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He emphasized his dedication to the state’s development and his commitment to democracy.

When asked about forgiving Obaseki, Shaibu hesitated but eventually said, “The only person that is perfect is the Almighty God. None of us created by God is perfect. One of the greatest commandments in the world is ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ If all of us can actually take to that commandment, there will be peace in the world.”

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Shaibu concluded by affirming his loyalty to Edo State and his efforts to support Obaseki’s success despite the challenges in their relationship.

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has passed away at the age of 82.

His death was announced by his son, Jide Iwuanyanwu, following a brief illness.

Iwuanyanwu, who succeeded the late Professor George Obiozor in the role, was known for his leadership and contributions to the Igbo community.

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He was a prominent figure in the socio-cultural organization Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.

President Bola Tinubu, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have all expressed their condolences.

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President Tinubu praised Iwuanyanwu’s legacy, noting his significant impact on Nigeria and the Igbo community.

Speaker Abbas described Iwuanyanwu as a renowned businessman and politician, emphasizing his dedication to peace and stability in Nigeria.

Deputy Speaker Kalu highlighted Iwuanyanwu’s contributions to socio-economic development and his efforts towards peace in the Southeast.

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Governor Soludo called Iwuanyanwu a mentor and supporter, praising his exceptional leadership and commitment to progress.

Peter Obi referred to Iwuanyanwu as a bridge builder and a dedicated advocate for peaceful coexistence.

Iwuanyanwu’s influence extended beyond his political roles.

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He was a philanthropist, engineer, and businessman with a vast portfolio, including companies like Hardel and Enic Construction Company and Daily Champion Newspapers.

He was also a sports enthusiast, founding the Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club.

Iwuanyanwu’s early life was marked by academic excellence, leading to a prestigious German Academic Exchange Scholarship.

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His studies were interrupted by the Nigerian civil war, during which he contributed to the Biafran war efforts as part of the Research and Production Directorate.

After the war, Iwuanyanwu resumed his studies and built a successful career in civil engineering, making significant contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructure.

His legacy includes numerous business ventures and a lifelong dedication to the Igbo community and Nigeria at large.

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Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife, Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, and numerous children and grandchildren. His passing marks the end of an era for the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and leaves a lasting legacy of leadership and service.

The Senate is currently reviewing a bill designed to enhance fiscal transparency within local government administration.

The proposed legislation, titled the “Local Government Fiscal Accountability Bill 2024 (SB, 549),” seeks to mandate the publication of monthly allocations to all local government areas from the Federation Account.

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Senator Saliu Mustapha (APC, Kwara Central), the bill’s sponsor, underscored the significance of this measure in promoting public trust and confidence in local government operations during a discussion with journalists on Thursday in Abuja.

“Transparency in local government finances will lead to more effective and rapid development in rural areas and help curb rural-urban migration,” said Senator Mustapha.

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He highlighted that local governments, being the closest tier of government to the people, would benefit from increased accountability through the public disclosure of their revenues.

This transparency, he noted, would drive development and ensure that funds are utilized efficiently.

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“Local government chairmen do not have constitutional immunity. By publishing their revenues, we encourage them to utilize funds wisely and effectively,” Senator Mustapha added.

As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Production Services and Rural Development, Senator Mustapha expressed his dedication to encouraging local government administrations to focus on rural development and improve the quality of life for residents in these areas.