Renowned security expert and Interpol consultant, Sir Chikwe Udensi, has raised alarm over the blatant disregard of the Supreme Court’s ruling on financial autonomy for local governments by state governors across Nigeria.
Speaking on a radio programme, Open Parliament on Love FM Umuahia, and ABN TV on Wednesday, Sir Udensi accused governors of intentionally diverting federal allocations meant for grassroots development, thereby sabotaging governance at the local level.
Speaking on the issue, Udensi said: “Governors across the country are blatantly disobeying the Supreme Court order. They not only divert these funds but also create obstacles to ensure financial autonomy for local governments does not work.”
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According to him, only four states have complied with the directive to submit local government account details to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), a move aimed at ensuring transparency in fund disbursements. He described the actions of non-compliant governors as a direct attack on grassroots development, adding: “Funds meant for salaries, infrastructure, and services at the grassroots are being hijacked by state governments. This practice undermines governance and leaves rural communities stranded.”
Udensi stressed that the diversion of local government funds has paralyzed essential services in rural areas, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. He noted that the failure to empower local governments has widened the gap between urban and rural communities, leaving many Nigerians without access to basic amenities.
The security expert called on anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU, to intensify their monitoring of fund allocations to local governments. He warned that he has evidence to expose state governors involved in the mismanagement of these funds.
Udensi’s remarks highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of the Supreme Court’s ruling and the implementation of measures to ensure that local governments receive and manage their allocations independently.
As the debate over financial autonomy for local governments continues, his revelations are expected to spark further discussions on the accountability and transparency of state governments in Nigeria.
