LESS THAN 35% OF FUNDS FOR LGS NOT PROPERLY UTILIZED… EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC says not up to thirty five percent of the funds meant for Local Government administration in the country are being utilized for the purpose of serving the people. The Head Legal and Prosecution, Kano Zonal office of the EFCC, Mr. Johnson Ojogbane made the revelation at a two day workshop for Chairmen and Treasurers of the seventeen Local Government Councils of Enugu State on the operations of the Anti-Graft Laws.

The workshop organised by the Enugu State Government in collaboration with a legal firm was aimed at acquainting the participants with the fundamentals of the nation’s Anti-graft Laws. Delivering a lecture titled, “the Legal Frame Work of the EFCC and the Whistle Blower Policy”, the Head, Legal and Prosecution, EFCC Kano Zonal Office, Mr. Johnson Ojogbane noted that if accountability was being maintained at that level of government, it would translate to rapid development of the nation .

He called on the Council Chairmen to champion financial discipline in their domains. Speaking on the legal frame work of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and its prosecutorial powers, the Zonal Commissioner in-charge of South East, Mr. Amedu Sule stressed the need for public office holders to respect financial regulations to avoid wastage of government resources.

Earlier while declaring the workshop open, the Enugu State Governor represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Gabriel Ajah said the workshop would help the Chairmen perform optimally.

The Chairman of ALGON in the State, Chief Frank Ugwu, who spoke on behalf of others described the workshop as educative and promised to be selfless in the service to humanity. Relevant documents including the EFCC Act was distributed to the participants.

OBINNA OGBUKA