Convert Emefiele’s Recovered Duplexes to National Liaison Offices for LGAs, Expert Urges FG »

A Political Economy and Development specialist, Chief Salisu Ogbo Usman, has called on the Federal Government to convert the 753 duplexes recovered from the embattled former Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, into National Liaison Offices for Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

In a statement released on Monday, Dr. Usman said the recovered properties, which are at the center of corruption investigations, could be transformed into a national monument that serves as both a symbol of anti-corruption efforts and an administrative hub for grassroots governance.

Dr. Usman proposed that the Federal Government bridge the 21-unit shortfall by constructing additional duplexes to make up the total of 774, one for each LGA. He emphasized that the buildings should be clustered according to states and allocated accordingly, with each unit representing a local government area.

“This strategic conversion will serve as a metaphorical reminder of the consequences of betrayal of public trust, while also strengthening our federal structure,” he noted.

He further suggested that the cost of completing and expanding the estate could be equitably deducted from LGAs’ monthly federal allocations over time to reduce financial strain.

The expert outlined multiple benefits of the proposal, including reduced accommodation costs for visiting LGA officials, enhanced collaboration with federal ministries and development partners, and the potential for the estates to generate revenue if used for commercial ventures.

Dr. Usman believes the initiative would not only ensure national representation and inclusiveness in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) but also foster unity among the country’s 774 LGAs.

He concluded by urging the Federal Government to consider the proposal as a “legacy project” that would strengthen grassroots governance and leave a lasting impact on national development.

For further information, Chief Usman can be contacted via email at usmansalisuogbo9@gmail.com.