The DAILY POST reports that Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has expressed disapproval of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent decision to suspend local government chairmen in Edo State. 18 local government chairmen and their vice chairmen are subject to this suspension, which was put into effect on December 17 after the governor requested it from the state House of Assembly.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Governor Okpebholo’s accusations against the chairmen and their deputies include claims of insubordination and misconduct, specifically for failing to submit their financial statements to him.
However, Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has raised concerns about the legality of this action.
During a press briefing at his office, Fagbemi addressed questions from reporters regarding the situation.
He emphasized that the legislative arm of local governments is the only authority that has the power to suspend or remove council chairmen.
“Under the current dispensation, local government chairmen cannot just be removed or suspended by any governor without following due process of law,” he stated.
Fagbemi referenced a pivotal Supreme Court ruling delivered on July 11, which he indicated has changed the dynamics of local government administration in Nigeria.
This judgment has reinforced the principle that local government chairmen are primarily accountable to their local legislative bodies, not state governors.
The Attorney General’s remarks highlight a significant legal perspective on the governance of local councils in Nigeria.
He pointed out that any actions taken to remove local government officials must adhere to established legal procedures and cannot be executed unilaterally by state executives.
“At any rate, we are still studying the situation but before final reaction, it must be stated categorically and emphatically that for now, local government chairmen can only be removed through the legislative arm of the local government itself and not the State House of Assembly,” Fagbemi added.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
