NBA Urges EFCC to Tackle Fraud in Local Government Finances

Joseph Ovoboguono Ediruo Report

The Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Enugu Chapter, Mr Charles Nworah Nwagbara, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to beam its searchlight more on the finances of local government areas across the country, pointing out that the third tier of government has become an avenue for siphoning public funds.

He made this call on Thursday, November 10, 2022 when he led executives of the Chapter on a Courtesy Visit to the Enugu Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE Oshodi Johnson in his office. Nwagbara stated that it is high time EFCC began to checkmate the financial activities of local governments in the overall interests of the nation.

“I used to be a legal adviser of a community in the recent past and I am aware that the way you checkmate the financial activities of local government chairmen have kept those who want to loot public funds in check. I appeal to you to please intensify your actions in this area and also circumvent any court order that says that local government should not be probed by the EFCC , because the funds sent to the local governments are from the federal government. If you relent in your investigation of this sector, monies meant for the local government and the state will be pocketed”, he said.

He commended the EFCC for its roles in sanitising the nation and saving it from the activities of fraudsters.

Responding, Johnson thanked the
Association for visiting and also expressed his readiness to cooperate with it in tackling economic and financial crimes.

“The Nigerian Bar Association is not a visitor to the EFCC, because of the relationship we share. I appreciate all the points you have raised. For the local government funds you raised, we are working clandestinely to ensure that all funds are accounted for”, he said.

He enjoined members of the Association to eschew all corrupt practices and guide their clients aright. “We have had cases where some lawyers misled their clients for their own gains. Please, I urge you to inform your men to be of good conduct. If they are in doubt of the facts of a case, our doors are open. They can come around for clarification instead of working under false information. I urge your lawyers to practice with the fear of God. Remember that for everything we do, we must reap the reward be it good or bad”, he said.