ICPC Warns LG Officials Against Ignoring Supreme Court-Granted Financial Autonomy

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has warned local government officials that it will take action against those who fail to implement the financial autonomy granted to them by the Supreme Court.

The warning was issued on Thursday in Jos by ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu during a capacity-building workshop on the Local Government Accountability Framework for LGAs, organised under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA.

Dr. Aliyu described the financial autonomy ruling as a landmark decision that must be respected. “The judgment is final. Anyone who is aggrieved can only appeal to God Almighty. But it is critical that once these funds are released, they are utilised effectively to achieve the federal government’s objectives,” he stated.

He stressed that financial autonomy will enable local governments to plan, budget, and deliver development at the grassroots level. “Some people still see the local government as a cash cow to be exploited. That has to change. The federal government is not giving you funds so they can be mismanaged. ICPC and other agencies are here to guide you, and failure to comply will attract consequences,” Aliyu warned.

Represented by the Commission’s Executive Secretary Clifford Oparaodo, Aliyu urged officials to embrace accountability and transparency, saying, “Whatever we do here must be taken seriously. Go back and tell your colleagues and communities that transparency is the way forward.”

Emmanuel Uche, representing the European Union, RoLAC, and International IDEA, also addressed participants, underlining the significance of transparency and accountability in public governance. “The EU supports this process because good governance benefits the people. Should foreigners be the ones insisting on transparency in our public administration?” he questioned.

The workshop drew local government officials, federal agencies, and stakeholders, providing guidance on implementing financial autonomy and ensuring accountable local government administration.