Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state has warned local government chairmen that any misuse or diversion of council funds will not be tolerated.
He vowed to prosecute any chairman found guilty of financial irregularities, especially in contract awards and project execution.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taju Mohammad Lookman, gave the warning on Saturday while unveiling a three-day seminar on financial regulations and anti-corruption systems in local government, organized by the State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.
It is the responsibility of the local government chairmen to award contracts and pay for the projects awarded. But the interest of the state government is ensuring execution and delivery of the projects. Failure to do that will attract the involvement of Anti-Corruption,” Yusuf stated.
While reaffirming the financial autonomy of local governments, the governor made it clear that corruption would not be condoned.
“The state government will not interfere in the running of their affairs because we respect their financial autonomy, but the chairmen should note that anti-graft agencies are monitoring their activities to prevent corruption,” he said.
He further emphasized that the government had directed the Anti-Corruption Commission to detect, investigate, prosecute, and recover stolen funds from any indicted council chairman.
“Government will continue to strengthen the commission to fight corrupt acts in government,” he added.
Earlier, the Kano Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Shazali, highlighted the economic and social consequences of corruption.
He urged the council chairmen to uphold integrity and accountability, stressing that public trust should not be betrayed.