The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has reiterated that no state governor possesses the legal authority to remove elected local government chairmen from office.
This statement comes amidst recent political tensions in Edo State, where Governor Monday Okpebholo suspended 18 local council chairmen over allegations of insubordination and misconduct.
Speaking at a citizen engagement forum in Abuja, Fagbemi emphasized the constitutional limitations on gubernatorial powers concerning local government officials. "Under this dispensation, no governor has the right to remove any local government chairman," he asserted, referencing a landmark Supreme Court judgment delivered on July 11, 2024, which reinforced local government autonomy.
The AGF's comments were prompted by inquiries regarding the suspension of the Edo State council chairmen, an action purportedly backed by the State House of Assembly. Governor Okpebholo had accused the local government officials of failing to submit their financial accounts, labeling their actions as gross misconduct.
Fagbemi clarified that the removal of local government officials is solely within the purview of the legislative arm of the respective local governments, not the State House of Assembly. "Local government chairmen can only be removed through the legislative arm of the local government itself," he stated emphatically.
Highlighting the Federal Government's commitment to the rule of law, Fagbemi noted, "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."
The AGF also outlined recent achievements in the justice sector, including the development of the National Policy on Justice and the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015. He mentioned initiatives such as the installation of a Virtual Court System in Kirikiri Prison, Lagos, aimed at expediting trials and decongesting custodial centers.
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