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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.
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.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *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 strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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