Mohammed Shosanya
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Thursday, faulted Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State Governor for suspending the 18 local government chairmen in the State.
The LG bosses and their Vice Chairmen were suspended on December 17, 2024 by the Edo State House of Assembly at the instance of the governor.
Governor Okpebholo had based the suspension of the top LG officials on grounds of insubordination and misconduct, reason being that they did not submit their statement of finances to him.
The AGF told newsmen that it was only the Legislative Arm of local governments that can sack or place council chairmen on suspension.
Fagbemi said that under the current dispensation, local government chairmen cannot just be removed or suspended by any governor without following due process of the law.
“I am aware that since July 11, 2024, 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 clarified.
In his remarks earlier,Fagbemi said the public engagement session was organized to update citizens on the milestones achieved by his Ministry in the outgoing year and to receive invaluable feedback from all stakeholders for future improvements.
He stated that the event underscored the unwavering commitment of the Federal Ministry of Justice towards fostering transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in the administration of justice in Nigeria.
According to the AGF, the event highlighted the collaborative spirit, “as we work with stakeholders, through the Administration of Criminal Justice and Reforms Department (ACJR&D) and the Federal Justice Sector Reform Coordinating Committee (FJSRCC), of the Federal Ministry of Justice to deliver impactful reforms that address the needs and concerns of Nigerians”.
The justice sector, her said, has made remarkable progress in recent years, driven by the dedication and hard work of the departments and units of the Ministry, partners, and stakeholders.
