By Felix Kuyinu
The Oba of Lagos, Riliwan Akiolu, has warned Local Government Chairmen in the state to shun acts that could be traced for embezzlement of funds in allocations provided by the Federal Government.
The royal figure gave the warning following the verdict by the Supreme Court of Nigeria last Thursday restricting the state governments from overseeing disbursement of funds to the third-tier level of government.
The rulling states that all 774 local governments in the country will henceforth receive the allocations directly from the federal government.
The court noted that the state government directing the affairs of the funds is a violation of local governments rights.
Oba Akiolu, reacting to court verdict, cautioned the chairmen not to see the new measure as an opportunity to embezzle funds. He cautioned them to make sure the funds are used for developmental projects in their respective councils.
At the Palace in lga-Iduganran, Lagos lsland, the royal figure said, “The full autonomy granted to Local Government areas must make them more accountable to the people. Failure to spend Local Government funds judiciously will see many council chairmen jailed for corruption.
”Majority of the council chairmen have to be careful. If care is not taken, the prison yard will be full of them if they see it as an avenue to make money. It is now time for Nigerians to vote for good people as Local Government Chairmen.
”I always tell Public office holders to understand that every position is temporary, hence all leaders must strive hard to be accountable to the people.”
