NULGE Warns Against Alleged Plot to Preempt Supreme Court on Osun State LG Allocations

Strategic Insights -

Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State chapter, has expressed concerns about a plot by the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) to divert withheld local government allocations in Osun into accounts of court-sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors. The union's president, Dr. Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, warned that such an action would amount to "gross misappropriation" and a brazen attempt to subvert the rule of law. The union is urging the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and its officials to resist illegal directives, citing that any payment into private or fraudulent accounts would be a criminal act with no statute of limitation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State chapter, has received credible information that the OAGF is planning to divert Osun State local government allocations into accounts of court-sacked APC chairmen and councillors.
  • The alleged move is seen as a blatant attempt to subvert the rule of law and preempt the Supreme Court from making a decision on the matter.
  • NULGE has issued a warning to the Accountant-General of the Federation, the CBN, and its officials not to obey illegal directives, as payment into private or fraudulent accounts would amount to gross misappropriation.
  • The union is urging the CBN to steer clear of partisan politics and uphold its constitutional mandate.
  • The Attorney-General of the Federation and the Accountant-General of the Federation have been accused of singling out Osun State for punitive treatment while local governments in other states continue to receive allocations as provided for in the 1999 Constitution.
  • The union is calling on well-meaning Nigerians, the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations, and the international community to join their call for the rule of law in Osun State.

Statistics:

  • The local government allocations in question cover over eight months.
  • The money involved belongs to the people of Osun State, according to NULGE.
  • According to the 1999 Constitution, local governments in Nigeria are entitled to receive allocations through their designated accounts.

Sources:

  • NULGE Osun State chapter's press statement signed by President, Dr. Nathaniel Ogungbangbe.
  • The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.