LG Autonomy: FG Finally Mentions Those Who Will Be Jailed

The Nigerian government has finally broken its silence on local government autonomy, warning that it will jail anyone who tries to sabotage the implementation. This statement is a clear indication that the government is determined to see this initiative through, despite growing concerns and opposition from state governors.

The government's commitment to local government autonomy is rooted in the belief that it will enable local governments to have more control over their finances and resources. This, in turn, will enable them to provide better services to their citizens. Many Nigerians welcome this move, seeing it as a key factor in the country's development.

However, not everyone is happy with the government's statement. Some state governors have expressed opposition, arguing that local government autonomy will lead to a loss of revenue for their states. They also claim that it will create chaos and confusion in the country.

The Federal Government has warned elected officials who collude with governors to divert allocations meant for Nigeria's 774 Local Government Areas. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, stated that the Federal Government will initiate criminal actions against such officials. This decision is in line with the Supreme Court's judgment that granted financial autonomy to Local Governments.

Fagbemi emphasized that governors' diversion of Local Government funds is an impeachable offence. According to Vanguard, he also noted that some governors have planted their loyalists in Local Governments through questionable elections. Although the Federal Government cannot interfere with Local Government elections, it will take elected officials to court if they mismanage funds released to them from the federation account.

Despite the opposition, the federal government has vowed to press on with the implementation of local government autonomy. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, emphasized that the decision is in line with the judgment of the Supreme Court that granted financial autonomy to local governments.