“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Issues Stark Warning to LGA Chairmen Over Fund Diversion”
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo people, has issued a strong warning to local government chairmen across Nigeria, urging them to avoid any involvement in the diversion of funds for personal gain, particularly at the behest of state governors.
The organization stressed that this cautionary message was not a mere formality but a firm declaration of its commitment to upholding integrity, accountability, and the rule of law within local governance. Ohanaeze emphasized its focus on the 95 local government areas (LGAs) in the Southeast, with the warning extending to all 774 councils in Nigeria.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the factional Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze, pointed out the significance of the Federal Government’s recent directive mandating LGAs to open dedicated accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for direct allocations from the Federation Account. Ohanaeze hailed the move as a transformative step toward promoting transparency and reducing financial mismanagement in local governance.
The statement read in part: “This policy aligns with the Supreme Court ruling advocating for direct disbursement to councils and represents a vital tool in the fight against financial malfeasance that has plagued local governments for years.”
The organization particularly addressed the 95 LGAs in the Southeast, warning the chairmen to strictly adhere to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit’s (NFIU) guidelines regarding the use of these funds. The NFIU is tasked with monitoring the funds to ensure they are used transparently and accountably. Ohanaeze warned that any deviations from these standards would result in severe legal consequences.
To further its commitment to good governance, Ohanaeze announced plans to collaborate with anti-corruption agencies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to scrutinize the actions of Southeast LGA officials. “Our united front will ensure that no official is used as a conduit to siphon LGA funds for personal use,” the statement declared.
The organization made it clear that any LGA chairmen involved in corrupt practices, including reckless spending or failing to meet financial obligations to workers’ unions, such as the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), will face full legal consequences. Ohanaeze stressed that no assurances from governors will shield corrupt officials from prosecution.
In addition to these efforts, Ohanaeze revealed the establishment of an auditing committee dedicated to monitoring the flow and use of funds within Southeast LGAs. The committee’s goal is to dismantle the culture of corruption that has plagued regional governance.
Lastly, the organization warned that any attempts by governors to collaborate with state legislatures to pass laws facilitating unrestricted access to LGA funds would be met with strong legal opposition. “We will not stand by while corrupt practices continue to tarnish the reputation of our region,” Ohanaeze concluded.
