The Oba of Lagos, Riliwan Aremu Akiolu, has predicted that many local government chairmen would be jailed for embezzling public funds following the Supreme Court judgment which granted financial autonomy to the councils.
He, however, urged council chairmen not to see the autonomy as an unhindered avenue or opportunity to embezzle public funds.
Oba Akiolu gave the advice in a chat with journalists in his Palace at lga-Iduganran on Lagos lsland, while reacting to the judgment.
Oba Akiolu said full autonomy granted to local government areas must make them more accountable to the people; adding that failure to spend local government funds judiciously will see many council chairmen jailed for corruption.
”Majority of the council chairmen have to be careful. If care is not taken, the prison yard will be full of them if they see it as an avenue to make money. It is now time for Nigerians to vote for good people as local government chairmen,” he said.
Oba Akiolu also urged Nigerians to be patient with the President Bola Tinubu-led administration in its quest to reposition the country for greater heights.
“Make unbiased suggestions and constructive criticism of your leaders; don’t pull them down with negative statements,” he urged the citizens.
Oba Akiolu expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome all the challenges confronting her and come out stronger.
”I always tell Public office holders to understand that every position is temporary, hence all leaders must strive hard to be accountable to the people ”
