The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged Attorneys-General to enforce the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government financial autonomy. ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, made this call during a roundtable engagement with State Attorneys-General in the South West, emphasizing the need for ministers of justice to uphold the rule of law.
The engagement, themed ‘Institutional Integrity and Regional Cooperation: The Role of Attorneys-General in Advancing a Corruption-Free South West’, aimed to strengthen ICPC’s capacity for corruption prevention. Dr. Aliyu noted that the commission has taken steps to educate local government councils and Nigerians about the implications of the Supreme Court decision, despite facing court orders restraining them from tracking local government funds in some states.
According to Dr. Aliyu, local communities in Nigeria are in dire need of welfare, sustenance, and protection from obstacles that hinder access to government resources. He emphasized that the ICPC cannot tackle corruption alone, given the complexity of the phenomenon and the country’s large size. Dr. Aliyu stressed the importance of attorneys-general advising executives to follow the right course of action and giving effect to the Supreme Court judgment.
Keynote speaker, Moyosore Onigbanjo, a former Attorney-General of Lagos State, emphasized the need for attorneys-general to provide guidance to executives and ensure that the rule of law is upheld. Onigbanjo argued that the character of the people occupying these offices is more important than the laws in existence. He also cautioned against separating the offices of attorneys-general and commissioners of justice, suggesting instead that structural reforms, capacity building, and technology adoption would promote transparency and confidence in the decision-making process.
The roundtable engagement was attended by Attorneys-General from Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, and Lagos State, as well as representatives from the Senate and House Committees on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes. The ICPC’s call for Attorneys-General to enforce the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government financial autonomy highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen institutions and promote good governance in Nigeria. As the country continues to grapple with corruption and development challenges, the role of attorneys-general in upholding the rule of law and promoting transparency will be crucial in advancing a corruption-free society.
