Paths of Peace Initiatives demands compliance from Onigbongbo LCDA over alleged council list tampering

Michael Olumide

Paths of Peace Initiatives, a human rights advocacy group committed to fighting corruption and promoting accountability in governance, has formally issued a cease and desist notice to the Treasurer of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) over what it describes as “unlawful tampering” with the official list of appointed secretaries and supervisory councillors.

The organization, in a letter signed by Comrade James Ogu Chukwuma, Director of Operations, informed the council treasurer that the only officially recognized list of secretaries and supervisory councillors is the one transmitted directly to Onigbongbo LCDA by the Lagos State Government, with reference number MLGCA/LG/1/HC/1512/032. The group alleges that the council chairman has altered this list, including the reappointment of Hon. Ibrahim Balogun as a Special Adviser, a position that is not approved by the state government.

According to the group, the chairman of the LCDA has authority only to appoint a Chief of Staff. All other appointments, including Special Advisers and Supervisory Councillors, require direct approval from the Lagos State Government, which has not been granted for the altered list.

The Paths of Peace Initiatives letter references a recent state circular (MLG/LGA/C.27/S./XIV/606), warning all local government chairmen against tampering with state-approved lists, with any deviation constituting a violation of state directives.

The cease and desist notice directs the council treasurer to, immediately stop recognizing, paying, or acknowledging any individual not on the official list.

Treat any unauthorized personnel as “ghost workers” and refuse budgetary allocations, salaries, or allowances to them.

The organization emphasized that LCDA’s are extensions of the state government and are not fully independent local governments under the Nigerian Constitution. Should the treasurer continue with payments to illegally appointed individuals, he risks personal and criminal liability for financial fraud and misappropriation of public funds.

Paths of Peace Initiatives has also indicated that non-compliance will trigger escalation to law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Department of State Services (DSS), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Police.

The letter was copied to the Lagos State Governor, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Executive Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA, and relevant law enforcement agencies.

Comrade James Ogu Chukwuma concluded, “Strict compliance with state directives is expected to avoid prosecution, and we trust that the Onigbongbo LCDA will uphold transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.”