Probe N15trn LG Allocation In 12 Years, SERAP Urges FG

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, and/or appropriate anti-corruption to probe corruption allegations in the use of the monthly federal allocations to the 774 local governments in the country through the 36 state governors and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The organisation claimed that the probe has become necessary, as over N15trillion of federal allocations meant for provision of public goods and services by local governments have been allegedly mismanaged or pocketed by state governments, local council chairmen, and the authorities of the Federal Capital Territory in the last 12 years.
It added reports had showed that an average of N20billion accrued to local governments across the county between 2007 and 2012 alone.
SERAP, in a letter dated November 1, 2019 by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, therefore, also sought investigations into “the alleged complicity of state governors in corruption cases involving local government allocations between 1999 and 2019.
“And if there is relevant and sufficient admissible evidence, for suspected perpetrators to be prosecuted by anti-corruption agencies and any stolen public funds recovered and used to provide public goods and services.”
SERAP’s letter followed the reported arrest last week by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), of 16 council chairmen in Kwara State, who were suspended by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
They allegedly misappropriated N4billion loan meant for paying teachers’ salaries and council pensioners.
According to SERAP, “Investigating state governors and local government chairmen over allegations of corruption and abuse of power in the use of federal allocations meant to provide public goods and services would best serve the general public interests and welfare.
“We request that you take the recommended action within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter, failing which SERAP will institute legal proceedings to compel your government to act in the public interest.”
SERAP maintained that its request was based on the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), the country’s anti-corruption legislation and international obligations, particularly the UN Convention against Corruption.
“Section 7(6)(a) of the Constitution anticipates allocation of public revenue to the 774 local governments in the country. The proposed investigations and prosecution do not offend the constitutional principles of federation in any way, shape or form,” the organisation stated.
The letter copied to Malami, the Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof Bolaji Owasanoye; and the Acting Chairman, EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Magu, read in part: “Section 15(5) of the Constitution requires your government to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power, regardless of where such practices are taking place in Nigeria.