News
Agbakoba faults Lagos House of Assembly on suspension of LG chairman
By Francesca Hangeior
Mr Olisa Agbakoba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has faulted the recent indefinite suspension of a council chairman by the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The former President, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Agbakoba, described the suspension as an aberration and a flagrant disregard of the recent Supreme Court judgment, granting autonomy to local governments.
Recall that the State House Assembly had on Oct. 6 voted unanimously to suspend Mr Suleiman Jelili, the Executive Chairman of Alimosho LG, indefinitely over allegations bordering on misconduct, among others.
The House also passed a resolution directing the council’s vice-chairman to take over the office pending the final determination of the matter, by the House.
According to him, it is unconstitutional for any State House of Assembly or a sitting governor to suspend an elected chairman or vice chairman of a local council.
“I don’t understand how a resolution would be passed by a State Assembly to suspend an elected chairman.
“The House of Assembly or a governor of a state does not have the power to remove or suspend an elected chairman or vice-chairman of a council,it is absolutely unconstitutional.
“The 774 local governments were created by Section 7 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the chairmen are democratically elected.
“The 774 council chairmen are elected by the people and not by any politician, group of people or an institution like the House of Assembly,
The former NBA president said the only way to remove an erring council chairman was through the decision of the council”s legislative council or councillors.
Agbakoba said just like President Bola Tinubu or the National Assembly could not suspend Gov. Sanwo-Olu, the State House of Assembly could not suspend any local government chairman.
The legal luminary said the only constitutional instrument to remove an elected governor was the House of Assembly.
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.
Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”
In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.
“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.
“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.
“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
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