Convert Emefiele's 753 Recovered Duplexes to National Liaison Offices for 774 LGAs – Kogi Poly Rector Urges FG

The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo, has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently convert the 753 recovered duplexes, reportedly linked to the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, into national liaison offices for the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the country.

Professor Ogbo made the appeal in a statement sent to journalists on Sunday.

He emphasized that converting the recovered properties into a national asset by designating them as liaison offices and residential quarters for LGAs would serve as a powerful symbol of the Federal Government's commitment to fighting corruption and as a reminder of the abuse of public trust by former public officials.

The statement reads in part: “I wish to add my voice and opinion to the growing number of suggestions on how the Federal Government can utilize the recovered 'Emefiele Duplexes' for the public good.

 “While some have proposed handing them over to the Nigerian military as additional barracks, others suggest outright sale through open competitive bidding. In response, I wish to propose that the Federal Government convert the 753 duplexes into a National Liaison Office for Local Government Areas (NLOFLGA), with each of the 774 LGAs in Nigeria allocated one unit.

“To make up for the shortfall of 21 units, the Federal Government can construct the additional duplexes, complete the existing structures, and allocate one to each LGA as both a national monument and a lasting metaphor for public accountability.

“It is therefore expedient for the government to organize the duplexes in state-based clusters, dedicating a unit in each cluster to a specific Local Government Area.

 “Should this proposal be adopted, the estate can also serve as a revenue-generating asset for the LGAs, should they choose to leverage it for commercial purposes.

 “To finance the construction of the additional 21 duplexes and the completion of existing ones, the Federal Government can deduct the necessary funds equitably from LGAs' monthly federal allocations over time, minimizing financial strain.”

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that Professor Ogbo, a Political Science scholar, noted that the initiative would not only promote administrative efficiency but also enhance national representation and inclusivity:

 “This project would reinforce our federal system by ensuring each Local Government Area has a physical presence in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), symbolizing national inclusion and identity.

“It would also reduce accommodation costs, as the duplexes can serve as temporary lodgings for local government chairpersons, officials, or delegations visiting Abuja on official business thereby cutting down on hotel expenses.

 “Moreover, by situating all LGAs in one estate, the project would foster intergovernmental collaboration and promote national unity.”

He concluded by urging the Federal Government to adopt the project as a legacy initiative that strengthens grassroots governance and offers every part of Nigeria a tangible footprint in the nation's capital.

 “I therefore urge the Federal Government to view this not merely as an administrative solution, but as a national legacy project that strengthens grassroots governance and gives each LGA a symbolic and functional presence in Abuja,” he added.

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