ALGON: Divert funds to govs, go to jail – Ohanaeze warns LG chairmen

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has warned local government chairmen in Nigeria not to get involved in the diversion of funds for the personal gain of governors.

Ohanaeze said the warning was not merely a formality, but a declaration of its commitment to integrity, accountability, and the rule of law within the local governance structures.

The lgbo body stated that it was issuing the cautionary note to all LGA Chairmen across the 774 councils in Nigeria, with a heightened focus on the 95 councils in the South-east region.

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Ohanaeze’s factional Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro and made available to DAILY POST.

According to the statement, in light of the Federal Government’s recent directive mandating all LGAs to establish dedicated accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for direct allocations from the Federation Account, Ohanaeze recognized this as a critical and transformative measure.

It read, “This policy not only aligns with the Supreme Court ruling advocating for direct disbursement to the councils but also serves as a crucial mechanism to combat the financial malfeasance that has historically plagued our local governance.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo regards this development as a significant stride toward promoting transparency and responsible governance at the grassroots level.

“To the Chairmen of the 95 LGAs in the Southeast, we emphatically remind you that adherence to the guidelines set forth by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, is not optional.

“The NFIU has been tasked with the vigilant monitoring of the utilization of these funds, ensuring compliance with the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance. Deviations from these standards will be met with severe legal repercussions.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in its unwavering commitment to uphold the integrity of our communities, is prepared to collaborate closely with a team of anti-corruption agents drawn from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

“Our united front aims to scrutinize any action taken by Southeast LGA officials who may act as conduits for governors seeking to siphon LGA funds for personal purposes.

“We wish to be abundantly clear: engaging in such illicit activities will not only lead to prosecution but could result in imprisonment.

“The Chairmen of LGAs in our region must recognize the peril that lies in unprincipled alliances with Governors.

“Any LGA official who participates in the diversion of council funds, engages in reckless spending, or fails to honour financial obligations to essential local worker unions— such as the National Union of Local Government Employees and the Nigerian Union of Teachers— will face the full weight of legal action.

“No promises or assurances from governors will provide a shield against the consequences of such misconduct; accountability will prevail.

“Moreover, we wish to assure the public that Ohanaeze Ndigbo has constituted a dedicated auditing committee focused on monitoring the flow and disbursement of funds available to the Southeast LGAs.

“Our concerted efforts aim to dismantle the pervasive culture of looting that has tarnished the reputation of our regional governance.

“It is imperative for Southeast ALGON chairmen to understand that any legislative attempts by certain Governors to work with members of the State House of Assembly to pass laws that would enable unrestricted access to these funds will be met with fierce legal challenges.”

ALGON: Divert funds to govs, go to jail – Ohanaeze warns LG chairmen