Ọhanaeze issues stern warning to LG chairmen: Divert funds and face imprisonment

DDM News

Ọhanaeze Ndigbo, the foremost socio-cultural body representing the Igbo people, has issued a strong caution to local government chairmen across Nigeria.

It urged them to refrain from participating in the diversion of funds intended for public use into the pockets of governors for personal gain.

The organization emphasized that this warning goes beyond a mere formality.

It signifies a firm stand on the importance of integrity, accountability, and the rule of law in the functioning of local governance.

This message, which resonates strongly with the moral compass of the Igbo community, was articulated by Ọhanaeze’s Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro.

The statement was released on Wednesday and shared by the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM).

In this announcement, Ọhanaeze expressed its commitment to supporting measures that promote good governance and transparency, particularly within local government councils across the country.

The directive from the Federal Government mandating all local governments in Nigeria to open dedicated accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for direct allocation from the Federation Account was highlighted by Ọhanaeze.

This was seen as a monumental development.

The policy, which is in line with a recent Supreme Court ruling, aims to enhance financial transparency in local governments.

It also ensures that allocated funds reach their intended destinations.

Ọhanaeze acknowledges this as a groundbreaking step toward curbing the mismanagement of funds that has plagued local governance in the past.

“This policy is not only in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directive but also offers a robust solution to the problem of financial malfeasance in our councils,” said the statement from Ọhanaeze.

“It marks a significant milestone in the fight for transparency and responsible governance at the grassroots level,” it added.

The organization has expressed its belief that this move will foster an environment of accountability.

It will also allow local councils to manage their resources more effectively.

Ọhanaeze also emphasized that the 95 local government councils in the Southeast region are under heightened scrutiny.

They must adhere strictly to the guidelines set by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

The NFIU has been given the responsibility of closely monitoring the use of funds allocated to local governments.

It aims to ensure compliance with the principles of good governance.

According to Ọhanaeze, failure to comply with these standards will lead to severe legal consequences.

Any chairmen found guilty of mismanaging these funds will face these repercussions.

“We want to make it abundantly clear that adherence to the NFIU guidelines is non-negotiable,” the statement reads.

“Any deviation from these regulations, particularly if it involves the misappropriation of funds for personal use or political gain, will be met with strict legal action,” it added.

In a firm declaration, Ọhanaeze Ndigbo made it clear that any local government chairman found to be collaborating with state governors to divert funds for private gain would face the full consequences of the law.

The organization is committed to ensuring that such individuals are held accountable for their actions.

Ọhanaeze has also pledged to work closely with relevant anti-corruption agencies.

These include the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Their task is to monitor the activities of local government chairmen and detect any irregularities.

“The consequences for engaging in illicit activities such as diverting local government funds will not be limited to prosecution alone,” the statement reads.

“Those involved could face imprisonment as well,” it continued.

Ọhanaeze emphasized that any local government chairmen in the Southeast region who engage in reckless spending, fail to meet their obligations to workers’ unions such as the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) or the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), or aid in the diversion of funds, will not escape legal consequences.

In a broader move to combat corruption within local governments in the Southeast, Ọhanaeze has set up a special auditing committee.

This committee is tasked with monitoring the flow and disbursement of funds in the region.

This initiative aims to break the cycle of financial mismanagement that has plagued local government administration in the area.

It also seeks to restore the reputation of regional governance.

Furthermore, the Igbo socio-cultural group is keeping a close watch on any attempts by state governors to manipulate local government officials or legislators.

Their goal is to pass laws that would facilitate the unchecked access to public funds.

Ọhanaeze has made it clear that such efforts will be met with fierce opposition. This includes legal challenges that will seek to block any attempt to subvert the intent of the new financial guidelines.

“We are committed to fighting any legislative attempts by state governors or members of the State House of Assembly to pass laws that would compromise the integrity of local government funds,” said Ọhanaeze.

The organization’s leadership affirmed that they would not hesitate to challenge such actions through the courts.

This will ensure that transparency and accountability remain the bedrock of governance in the Southeast.

In conclusion, Ọhanaeze Ndigbo’s message to the local government chairmen of Southeast Nigeria is clear and unambiguous.

Any attempts to divert public funds for personal gain will be met with the full force of the law.

The organization’s leadership has pledged to continue working with government agencies.

Their goal is to ensure that local government funds are used for the benefit of the people.

They also aim to bring those responsible for any misconduct to justice.

Kindly share!

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook