The Osun State Government has issued a strong warning to sacked local government officials from the All Progressives Congress (APC), cautioning them against approaching the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to open local government accounts.
During a media briefing at the Osun State Government Secretariat, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, stated that any attempt by the dismissed officials to access government funds illegally would have serious legal consequences.
Alimi emphasized that local government chairmen are not authorized to sign off on government accounts. He also clarified that the governor himself is not a signatory to such accounts but only has approval power.
He warned that any attempt to withdraw local government funds unlawfully could lead to imprisonment.
Last week, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) instructed council chairmen across the country to approach the CBN for local government account openings.
However, Osun ALGON’s leadership, which comprises elected chairmen from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), did not include any of the sacked APC officials.
The commissioner criticized the APC for ignoring a court ruling that declared all local government positions vacant. He stressed that the Court of Appeal’s decision, which removed the APC chairmen from office, remains the only valid judgment.
Addressing allegations of N3.7 billion misappropriation, Alimi dismissed the claims, describing them as a distraction from the ongoing investigation into the past administration. He stated that any accusations against him should be directed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) instead of being discussed in the media.
Alimi further explained that funds allocated to local governments were used appropriately, with proper authorization. He warned that legal action would be taken against those making false accusations against him.
Meanwhile, local government employees in Osun State have not resumed work since the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) directed them to stay at home before the February 22 local government election, citing safety concerns.
The situation remains tense as both political parties continue to dispute control over local government administration in Osun State.
