Autonomy not licence to misuse funds, EFCC warns Councils

Financial autonomy should not be taken as an opportunity to embezzle funds, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) warned council chairmen yesterday

EFCC Chairman Olukoyede, issued the warning at a summit tagged: “Local Government Autonomy, Fiscal Responsibility and Sustainable Development” organised in Gombe by the state government, urged the helmsmen at the councils to resist the temptation of fraud.

He reminded them that chairmen and executives at the local government level do not have immunity.

"Any breach of financial law will be prosecuted without delay”, the anti-graft commission boss said.

With local government autonomy granted by the Supreme Court, Olukoyede said the commission would deploy more personnel to Gombe State to monitor fund management.

"Only the governor and deputy governor have constitutional immunity. Local council chairmen, you do not have immunity,” he stated.

He reminded council chairmen that financial autonomy does not come with constitutional immunity. Therefore, their use of public resources would be strictly monitored.

The EFCC boss described the apex court’s decision on local government autonomy and direct allocation of funds as a welcomed development that should improve council funding.

However, he expressed concerns that such funds might not be used properly, given councils’ history of financial mismanagement and lack of accountability.

According to him, council resources have often been misused, turning councils into ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) for corrupt officials who divert public funds for personal gain.

The EFCC chairman noted that councils’ financial struggles and inability to meet community obligations raised concerns about their fiscal viability and effectiveness.

Many council chairmen have blamed inefficiency on state governors’ influence and the hijacking of local government resources, he said.

With financial autonomy, such excuses would no longer be valid and chairmen would be held responsible for mismanagement in their councils.

He urged council chairmen to embrace accountability and financial integrity, using autonomy to implement life-changing projects in their communities.

Olukoyede urged them to improve their capacity to manage resources effectively, ensuring transparency and compliance with financial laws.

“Acquire more knowledge and build your capacity on relevant laws guiding financial management. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” he warned.