By Ali Elias
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a stern warning to local government chairmen, emphasizing that they are not shielded by immunity and will be held accountable for public funds while still in office.
Speaking on the Commission’s renewed efforts to tackle corruption at the grassroots level, the EFCC revealed plans to intensify monitoring of local government allocations, ensuring funds meant for development directly benefit the people.
To strengthen this oversight, the Commission has established a Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) Department, which will deploy officers to local government councils in Gombe State to track the use of enhanced allocations from the Federation Account.
“The EFCC will be paying you visits occasionally to check how you are using the funds. We will come in the evening. Sometimes, you may even see us in your dreams,” the Commission warned, reinforcing its commitment to fighting financial mismanagement at all levels of governance.
“Local government chairmen do not have immunity, and we are not going to wait until you finish your tenure to come after you.
“The impact of these resources is not felt by the people living in these areas. Instead of serving as catalysts for growth, councils have become mere caricatures that exist only in name.
“He informed them that the Commission has established a Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) Department, adding that officers from the department would be visiting local government councils in Gombe State to monitor the use of enhanced allocations from the Federation Account.
“The EFCC will be paying you visits occasionally to check how you are using the funds. We will come in the evening. Sometimes, you may even see us in your dreams”