Residents of Taraba State have called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate allegations surrounding an estimated N54.4 million expected to be generated by local government legislative councils through the screening of newly appointed supervisory councillors and special advisers across the state’s 16 local government areas.
The residents said the call for an investigation goes beyond the amount involved and raises questions about the legality of the compulsory screening fees reportedly imposed on political appointees by legislative councils before their confirmation.
Findings by NATIONAL ACCORD correspondent revealed that nominees appointed by local government chairmen are allegedly required to pay specified amounts before appearing before legislative councils for screening and confirmation.
According to the findings, supervisory councillor nominees in most councils are expected to pay N250,000 each, while special adviser nominees are charged N150,000 before they can be screened.
An analysis of appointment lists released by the various councils showed that each of the 16 local government areas appointed an average of seven or more supervisory councillors and at least 11 special advisers. Based on these figures, the total amount expected to be generated from the appointees is estimated to exceed N54.4 million across the state.
The development has sparked public concern and drawn criticism from stakeholders, including the state chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), who condemned the practice.
Speaking with our correspondent, the ALGON chairman, Hon. Moses Meihankeli, warned that any legislative council found culpable would face legal consequences. He described the compulsory screening fees imposed on the appointees as illegal.
A review conducted by our correspondent indicated that neither the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria nor the Taraba State Local Government Law provides for mandatory screening fees for political appointees seeking legislative confirmation at the local government level.
However, the Leader of the Jalingo Legislative Council and Deputy Chairman of the Taraba Forum of Council Leaders, Abdulsalami Joda, confirmed the charges.
According to him, supervisory councillor nominees are required to pay N250,000, while adviser nominees are expected to pay N150,000 before appearing for screening by the legislative council.
He described the screening fees as the legal right of local government legislators in the state.
Meanwhile, residents who spoke with our correspondent questioned who authorised the charges and demanded transparency on how the funds are being managed after collection.
One of the residents, Barr. Emmanuel Agbo, a legal practitioner, urged the EFCC to urgently investigate the matter and determine the legality of the process.
Also speaking anonymously for fear of victimisation, a newly appointed supervisory councillor called on Governor Agbu Kefas to order a thorough probe and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable.
