The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has insisted that no governor has the legal powers to remove elected local government officials from office.
Fagbemi said this on Thursday in Abuja, while responding to questions from journalists regarding the recent suspension of the chairmen of the 18 Local Governments in Edo State by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Although the occasion was a citizen engagement on the Justice Sector Reforms under the AGF, the minister, while responding to a question on the Edo LGA issue, said he might not have the details surrounding the suspension, but maintained that under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the law, no governor has the powers to remove elected LG chairmen and their councillors.
“I am aware that since July 11, when the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment, local government administration has taken a new turn, different from the old order.
“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 said.
Governor Okpebholo had Tuesday suspended the council chairmen and their deputies in the state over alleged acts of insubordination and misconduct after the purported approval of the State House of Assembly.
The governor said the refusal of the LG officials to submit their financial accounts as demanded by him amounted to acts of gross misconduct, hence the need for their suspension.
But Fagbemi has reiterated the commitment of the Tinubu administration to the rule of law and well-being of Nigerians.
“As we continue on this reform journey, let me reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring equitable access to justice, and building a justice system that is fair, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
“Together, we will foster a justice sector that inspires confidence and delivers on its mandate to serve the people,” he said.
The minister stated that the justice sector of recent has made remarkable progress, owing to the dedication and hard work of the departments and units of the ministry, partners, and stakeholders.
He listed some of the ministry’s achievements to include development and adoption of the National Policy on Justice, 2024 – 2028; National Policy on Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution, 2024; and Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
Others included the Review and validation of Restorative Justice documents for the FCT; Signing of and Unveiling of Plea-Bargaining Guidelines for Federal Prosecutors; Non-Custodial Sentencing Initiatives; and Facilitation of Speedy dispensation of justice.
“The Ministry built and furnished Courts in Kirikiri Prison in Lagos State and also installed a Virtual Court System, to fast track trials and decongest the Custodial Centres. I will be handing over the keys to two of the Courtrooms to the Hon CJ Federal High court and one courtroom to the CJ Lagos State High court”, he said.
Alex Enumah
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