In a stark warning to state governors, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has declared that any governor who interferes with funds allocated to Local Government Areas (LGAs) may be committing gross misconduct, a serious offense that could lead to impeachment.
Addressing the 2024 annual conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) in Abuja, Fagbemi emphasized the importance of financial autonomy for LGAs, a right recently affirmed by the Supreme Court in its July 11, 2024 ruling. He stated, “Any governor who tampers with the finances of the LGAs in his state is seen to have committed gross misconduct, which is an impeachable offense.”
The AGF underscored the vital role local governments play in fostering grassroots development, urging elected chairmen of the 774 LGAs across Nigeria to responsibly manage their funds. “Primary education must be accessible to every child. Pregnant women and infants must receive quality healthcare, and the vulnerable in society must benefit from sustainable welfare programs,” he asserted, highlighting that the Supreme Court’s decision aims to empower local governments to fulfill their constitutional obligations effectively.
Fagbemi further warned that local government officials who mismanage public funds could face imprisonment, as they do not enjoy the same immunity as state governors. He clarified that any debts incurred by governors related to state functions should not be transferred to local governments, as such liabilities fall outside their constitutional responsibilities.
Commending the administration of President Bola Tinubu for its commitment to enhancing governance structures, the AGF called on local government officials to adopt transparency in their operations, stating that “the era of impunity is over.” He also urged the media to engage in responsible reporting concerning governance and judicial matters, emphasizing that good governance necessitates accountability at every level.
In a complementary address, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, represented by Mr. Abdullaziz Olumo of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), echoed the importance of collaboration between the judiciary and the media. She described the judiciary as the guardian of justice and the media as the conscience of society, responsible for shaping public opinion and ensuring accountability.
Justice Kekere-Ekun expressed concern over sensationalism in media reporting, which can distort facts and erode public trust in the judiciary. She cautioned against “trial by media,” where premature narratives can prejudge cases and infringe on constitutional rights, referencing the landmark U.S. case of Sheppard v. Maxwell (1954), where excessive media interference resulted in the overturning of a conviction due to the denial of a fair trial.
