Abuja: The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has issued a stern warning to Local Government Council Chairmen across the country, emphasizing that the era of unchecked access to public funds is over. The Chairman of the bureau, Dr. Abdullahi Bello, conveyed this message during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the CCB has identified local government chairmen as high-risk individuals in the fight against corruption, given the increased flow of resources directly to the councils under the autonomy framework. Dr. Bello stressed that every kobo must be accounted for from the first day in office to the last, highlighting intelligence reports suggesting that some officials were already diverting these funds for personal use.
Dr. Bello stated that local government officials are now required to declare their assets at the beginning and end of their tenure, ensuring accountability for any discrepancies. He emphasized that the CCB operates a straightforward system, asking officials to explain the source of any additional funds. If they cannot provide a satisfactory explanation, the bureau has the authority to forfeit the unexplained money.
The CCB’s mandate is largely preventive, aiming to discourage public officials from misappropriating funds through strict asset declaration and monitoring. Dr. Bello noted that the bureau is one of the most effective tools in the fight against corruption, warning that undeclared or unexplained assets will likely end up in government custody through legal proceedings. He appealed to citizens for intelligence and information, acknowledging that corruption often involves networks that include seemingly low-level officers.