The Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, has issued a stern warning to Local Government Council Chairmen to stay clear from dipping their hands in the public coffers without authorisation.
The Chairman of the Bureau, Dr Abubakar Bello in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja said the bureau has placed local government chairmen among its top high-risk targets in the fight against corruption, stressing that every kobo must be accounted for from the first day in office to the last.
The Chairman explained that the bureau identified local government chairmen as high-risk individuals due to the increased resources now flowing directly to the councils under the autonomy framework.
He said Intelligence reports indicated that some officials were already diverting these funds for personal use.
“My message to local government chairmen and officials is simple. CCB is here and we are watching. Once you assume office, you will declare your assets at the beginning of your tenure and at the end.
“You will also account for the difference. If you cannot explain it, we will take it,” he said.
Bello added: “Unlike other law enforcement agencies that must prove beyond doubt that money was stolen, the CCB operates a simpler but potent system.
He also disclosed that his office is investigating corruption cases involving former ministers, current top government officials and senior public office holders at both federal and state levels.
“We have started investigating high-profile individuals. There is a former minister we have already taken to court.
“Right now, we are investigating another former minister and also a serving top government official.
“I won’t mention names because we are still at the investigation stage. We don’t want to turn it into a media trial,’ he said.
Bello added that the bureau had also secured interim forfeiture orders from the courts and recording recoveries from investigations involving local government chairmen and senior state officials
Bello noted that the Nigeria’s anti-corruption war did not target only low-level offenders while shielding politically exposed persons, as alleged in certain quarters
The CCB Chairman dismissed the allegation, insisting that ministers, senior government officials and other high-profile individuals are currently under investigation.
He explained that the Bureau’s operations are guided strictly by law and due process, not media pressure or political considerations.
Bello also explained that the bureau’s mandate is largely preventive rather than reactive.
He said by ensuring strict asset declaration and monitoring, the CCB aims to discourage public officials from stealing in the first place.
“What is the essence of stealing money when you know you will not enjoy it?
“If you know you will be tracked, you will think twice before taking public funds.” he added.
The CCB Chairman described the bureau as “one of the most potent tools in the fight against corruption”.
He warned that undeclared or unexplained assets would inevitably end up in government custody through the courts.
The CCB chairman appealed to the citizens for intelligence and information, noting that corruption often runs through networks that may include seemingly low-level officers.
“Support us, encourage us and share information with us; together, we can erid this country of corruption.” he said. NAN
