The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has issued a stern warning to state governors, emphasizing that tampering with funds allocated to Local Government Areas (LGAs) constitutes gross misconduct and is an impeachable offense. Speaking at the 2024 annual conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) in Abuja, Fagbemi reiterated the implications of the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024, judgment, which granted financial autonomy to LGAs.
In his presentation titled “Aftermath of Supreme Court Judgment on Local Government Financial Autonomy: What Next?” Fagbemi stressed that governors must respect the constitutional mandate of LGAs. Fagbemi cautioned local government chairmen against mismanaging public funds, noting that they are not shielded by immunity like state governors. The AGF Fagbemi underscored the importance of grassroots development, urging local officials to prioritize primary education, healthcare for pregnant women and children, and welfare programs for the vulnerable.
Fagbemi calls for Strengthening Governance and Accountability
Fagbemi commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to improving governance across all tiers. He emphasized that the era of impunity is over and called for transparency in the management of public funds. He further warned that LGAs should not bear the financial burden of state projects outside their constitutional responsibilities.
The AGF Fagbemi also urged the media to play a critical role in promoting accountability by ensuring accurate reporting on governance and judicial matters. Fagbemi highlighted that collaborative efforts between the judiciary, media, and government are essential for advancing good governance in Nigeria.
Judiciary and Media: Guardians of Democracy
In her remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, represented by Mr. Abdullaziz Olumo, Secretary of the National Judicial Institute, outlined the complementary roles of the judiciary and the media in societal development. While the judiciary upholds justice and the rule of law, the media shapes public opinion and ensures accountability.
Justice Kekere-Ekun cautioned against sensationalism and “trial by media,” referencing the landmark U.S. case of Sheppard v. Maxwell (1954) to highlight the dangers of prejudging cases. She stressed the importance of ethical journalism in maintaining public confidence in the judiciary, urging media practitioners to prioritize accuracy over sensationalism.
Calls for Reforms in the Judiciary and Legal Practice
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, emphasized the judiciary’s critical role in maintaining societal stability. Speaking on the theme, “The Role of Courts in Enforcement of Judgments,” he urged judges to prioritize justice over technicalities. Ozekhome condemned unethical practices among lawyers and judges, calling for reforms to address corruption and enhance the judiciary’s credibility.
Ozekhome advised judges to avoid associating with politically exposed persons involved in ongoing cases and to maintain impartiality. He also advocated for the establishment of a judges’ association to defend against unfounded allegations and enhance the judiciary’s integrity. The conference chairman, Mr. Kayode Lawal, lauded the Supreme Court’s judgment on LGA financial autonomy, describing it as a watershed moment for Nigeria’s governance.
Reactions and Challenges to Implementation
The AGF’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions on social media platforms. Critics questioned the federal government’s commitment to the Supreme Court ruling, with users like Dr. Joe on X (formerly Twitter) pointing out that governors, shielded by immunity, continue to control LGA funds. Dr. Joe further accused the federal government of failing to remit funds directly to LGAs as mandated by the Supreme Court.
Another user, Hamma, criticized the perceived manipulation of local government elections by governors, who allegedly install loyalists as LGA chairmen to maintain control over funds. He urged the federal government to set a strong example by enforcing financial autonomy immediately.
Meanwhile, NAJUC chairman, Mr. Kayode Lawal, described the Supreme Court judgment as a turning point for grassroots governance. He called for decisive actions to address conflicting court judgments and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
The conference provided a platform for robust discussions on governance, judicial reforms, and the enforcement of financial autonomy for LGAs, underscoring the urgent need for collective accountability across all tiers of government.
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