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LG autonomy: Chairmen, councilors who embezzle funds risk jail – AGF
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lateef-Fagbemi.jpg)
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, (SAN) warned yesterday that local government chairmen and councilors who embezzle council funds do so at the risk of going to jail.
Fagbemi, who spoke in Abuja at the opening session of the validation meeting of the National Anti-corruption Strategy (NACS) Action Plan 2022-2026, said the efforts that led to the recent judgment on financial autonomy to local governments were not a waste.
Fagbemi observed that some have continually argued that unless the task of conducting local government election is transferred to another body, the Supreme Court judgment may not have any meaningful impact.
The AGF said his view has always been that such issues would be addressed when they arise.
He tasked the various anti-corruption agencies to be up and doing because they are required to oversight the deployment of funds at the Local Government level.
“I told them that when we get to the bridge, we will cross it. But one thing I keep saying is that the governors have immunity, but local governments chairmen do not have. The counsellors don’t have. So, it will be very easy to put them where they belong.
In any event, we need activities at the local government level. They are not to be over-sighted by anybody, except by the critical anti-corruption agencies – the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practice and other related offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the police and others, when the need arises.
“And as often as the need arises, we will deal with that aspect.
“So, if a governor asks you to go and commit a crime and you accept, he will not follow you to Kuje or Kirikiri. No, you are on your own.
“So, this is a challenge to the anti-corruption agencies and I know that they are up to the task,” Fagbemi said.
He argued that it was not necessary to preach to those who will be at the helm of affairs at the local government level because they are expected to be able to read and write and differentiate right from wrong.
“You don’t have to preach to anybody. Those who would become Chairmen and Counsellors, at least they should be able read and write. They will know that it is a crime to steal and that if you steal, the penalty is there,” he added.
He said the vision of the NACS is to ensure “a Nigeria that is free of corruption for sustainable human development,” while the mission statement is “to provide a holistic national anti-corruption strategy for all sectors and stakeholders in the fight against corruption.”
The AGF recalled that the first NACS was for between 2017 and 2021, adding that the NACS Action Plan was developed, validated and adopted by relevant stakeholders on the 26th March, 2018.
He explained that at the expiration of the initial NACS, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) considered and approved the extension of the implementation of NACS 2017-2021 for another four years.
The AGF explained that the NACS Action Plan 2022 – 2026 is a product of series of consultation and collaboration between the 22 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government with anti-corruption and accountability mandates.
He added that the framework for the NACS Action Plan implementation is focused on five pillars which serve as the driving force for both the public and private sector and the national and sub-national levels of government.
Fagbemi identified the five pillars to include prevention of corruption, public engagement, campaign for ethical re-orientation, enforcement and sanction and recovery and management of proceeds crime.
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President Tinubu Speaks On Ajuri Ngelale’s Indefinite Leave Request
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot_20240907-235754.png)
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has endorsed Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, indefinite leave request.
Recall Ngelale, in a statement on Saturday, announced an indefinite leave of absence.
He proceeded on the leave to attend to pressing medical matters affecting his immediate family.
In a statement he posted on his general communication WhatsApp platform on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff on Friday.
He noted that the memo was a means of notifying him of the decision to pause his functions, including his roles as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.
Ngelale explained that the decision was after consultations with his family due to a worsening medical situation at home.
He expressed hope to return to full-time national service when circumstances permit.
In a statement posted on X by Tinubu’s Special Assistant on New Media, Olusegun Dada and signed by the Presidency, Tinubu approved Ngelale’s request.
Tinubu stated that he fully understands his Chief spokesperson’s reason and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.
The statement read: “The President has received the memo from Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President as well as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, informing of his decision to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence for personal and health reasons.
“The President accepts his reasons for the leave, fully understands them and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.
“While extending his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Chief Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment, the President hopes for a speedy recovery and full restoration to health.
“The President notes his tireless efforts and dedication in serving the nation, and thanks him for the remarkable contributions he made in his various capacities, especially in advancing national discourse and leading efforts on climate action and other key initiatives.
“The President wishes him well in all his future endeavors.
“During this period, we kindly ask that the wish for privacy of Chief Ngelale and his family be respected.”
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Confusion As FG Denies Ownership Of Yacht Spotted In France With Nigerian Flag
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot_20240907-235621.png)
…says it belongs to an undisvcosed private individual
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The presidency, on Saturday, denied ownership of a yacht spotted hoisting Nigerian flag in St-Tropez, a coastal town in France.
There had been reports of a “presidential yacht belonging to the Nigerian government being used for vacation at St Tropez” on social media.
Senior Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on digital and new media, Otega Ogra, in a post on X, said the yacht belongs to a private individual.
The presidential aide said flags used by the president or armed forces do not contain the coat of arms like the one on the yacht.
Ogra said on Saturday, “There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht was spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth.
“The 42m Bennetti yacht currently being shared online has been privately owned for around 5 years since it was constructed.
It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, president or armed forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply not true and inaccurate.
“It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.
“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the center. Placing anything in the center of the flag is a clear deviation
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Constituency Devt: Senator Manu fulfils promise, installs solar energy as alternative source of power for constituents(Photos)
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot_20240907-234433.png)
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
In a bid to enhance better life for his constituents, Senator Manu Haruna has facilatated installation of solar energy in Takalafiya community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Senator Manu who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly fulfilled his promise of ensuring the energy needs of his constituents are adequately taken care of.
This initiative reflects his unwavering commitment to addressing the energy needs of his constituents by providing a reliable and sustainable power source.
The solar energy project is expected to improve the quality of life in the community, enabling access to electricity for homes, schools, and local businesses, while also promoting environmental sustainability.
This project is part of Senator Haruna’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and development in Taraba Central.
Manu is also working tirelessly to make sure areas not connected to the national grid are connected within the shortest period possible.
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