The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Oluoyede, has issued a stern warning to local government chairmen across the country, emphasising the importance of accountability as they are not protected by any immunity from investigation and prosecution for fraud.
He delivered this message during the Gombe State Local Government Summit in Gombe on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
Mr. Oluoyede urged the local council chairs to exercise prudence in managing the substantial resources at their disposal, stating, “Local government chairmen do not enjoy immunity, and we will not delay our actions until the end of your tenure.”
He lamented the persistent stagnation, poverty, and deprivation in rural areas across the country, despite the significant resources allocated to these regions over the years.
“The impact of these resources is not felt by the communities they are meant to serve. Instead of becoming drivers of growth, councils have devolved into mere shadows of their former selves, existing only in name,” he asserted.
To promote responsible resource management and accountability, he recommended that the chairmen establish compliance units to oversee the utilisation of funds and the execution of projects.
He also announced that the Commission has established a Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) Department, which will send officers to local government councils in Gombe state to monitor the deployment of the anticipated increased funds from the Federation account.
“EFCC will be making regular visits to check on how you are managing the funds. We may even show up in the evening, and you might find us in your dreams,” he remarked.
