Group Says Jail Looms for Kwara LG Chairmen Who Loot or Allow State Govt Tamper With Council Funds

A Kwara-based pro-democracy group, the People’s Voice Advocacy Network (PVAN), has warned local government chairmen in the state against mismanagement, looting of council funds, or allowing the state government to tamper with their finances.

The group emphasized that any chairman who engages in any fraudulent practice would be punished and risk going to jail, as declared by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.

It, therefore, charged chairmen of the 16 local government areas of the state to prioritise the welfare and interests of the people over their personal interests or those of the political establishment that got them into office.

In a statement issued by its Deputy Publicity Secretary, Engr. Abdulraheem Kehinde, the group expressed deep concern over the state of grassroots governance in Kwara, noting that local government administration, which should be a beacon for grassroots development and representation, continues to grapple with significant challenges, including lack of transparency, accountability, and good governance.

To this end, PVAN urged the council chairmen to deliver good governance and prioritise community-specific projects, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and agriculture, to alleviate poverty, boost local food production, and reduce inflation, stressing that Kwara’s vast arable lands present a golden opportunity to drive agricultural development and create jobs.

The group also said it was imperative for the chairmen to urgently appoint their cabinet members, such as secretaries and supervisory councillors that would assist them in fostering effective governance that genuinely serves the interests of the people.

“We also want to remind all our council chairmen of the need to immediately present their budgets. They should ensure that their budgets reflect at least 50% allocation toward addressing the pressing needs of their communities.

“Additionally, council chairmen must embrace transparency and accountability in management of council funds, and that should begin by declaring the monthly federal allocation of their respective local governments.

“On this note, we demand the official declaration of allocation they received for October and November, and a breakdown of the total funds they have received so far. This act of transparency will help rebuild public confidence in local governance,” the statement reads in part.

PVAN also told the chairmen to remain accessible to their communities by operating from their respective council headquarters and abandon the bad practice of running their council affairs from the state capital, Ilorin, or any location outside their constituencies.

“Importantly, we urge citizens and associations such as ALGON and NULGE to rise to the occasion by holding local government officials accountable and ensuring adherence to good governance practices.

“Finally, we remind the state government of the need to adhere strictly to the principles of autonomy as affirmed by the Supreme Court, and stop meddling in the financial and administrative affairs of the councils. Allow them exercise their independence,” the statement concluded.

Engr. Abdulraheem Kehinde
Deputy Publicity Secretary
The People’s Voice Advocacy Network