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Suspension of Edo LG Chairmen: Your action is null and void-Presidency tells Okpebholo
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has declared the suspension of Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas, LGAS, in Edo State as illegal and unconstitutional.
The AGF, who spoke to journalists in Abuja yesterday, stressed that removing from office or suspending any elected LG official in the country is the prerogative of Councilors in the said LGA.
The Justice Minister said his position was based on the July 11 judgment of the Supreme Court that granted autonomy to the 774 LGAs in the country.
“One thing that I know and can say without fear is that under the present dispensation, no Governor has the right to remove any local government chairman.
“That much I know. If I did not know before, since July 11, 2024, I became aware that removal of any local government chairman or official would be the prerogative of that local government, through their legislative house,” the AGF stated.
However, he said his initial reluctance to react to the development was because he wanted to know the basis upon which the LGA officials in Edo state were reportedly suspended.
It will be recalled that the Edo State House of Assembly suspended the chairmen and vice chairmen of the LGAs for two months over their alleged gross misconduct and insubordination.
The Assembly directed the council leaders to hand over to the legislative leaders of their respective local governments.
The action followed a letter from Governor Monday Okpebholo, who accused the council officials of insubordination, alleging that they failed to submit their financial reports from September 23, 2022, to date, as directed.
The LGA officials had since rejected their purported suspension, even as they vowed to remain in office till the expiration of their tenure in 2026. Meanwhile, speaking about ongoing reforms in the justice sector, the AGF said the development and adoption of the 2024-2028 National Policy on Justice would help to address the challenges militating against the effective administration of justice in Nigeria.
He said the federal government would in line with its determination to decongest the prisons, continue to train judges on the need to embrace the award of non-custodial sentences like community service, as provided for in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015 and Nigerian Correctional Service Act, NCSA, 2019.
“The ACJA, 2015, seeks to reform the administration of criminal justice through the speedy dispensation of justice, protection of human rights, accountability, and oversight between and amongst criminal justice institutions.
“Since its enactment, the Ministry has been leading efforts to ensure its effective implementation to ensure citizens access justice and the protection of their rights.
“The Ministry, through various platforms, supported states to replicate the Act, through the adoption of their ACJL.
“Today, I am happy to report that the 36 states of the federation now have their states ACJLs, which, to a very large extent, replicates and further strengthen the provisions of the ACJA for effective implementation a the state level.
“The Justice Ministry is currently collaborating with the Ministry of Interior and Nigerian Correctional Service to conduct an audit of the Correctional Centres to ascertain the number of inmates, the condition of the correctional centres, the number and different categories of inmates in the correctional centres.
“The first phase of this audit conducted in 9 states and the FCT, took place between 21st – 25th November, 2024, and it is hoped that when concluded, the outcome will assist the federal government in initiating and implementing appropriate policies and programmes that will enhance effective management of the correctional service.
“While these achievements are commendable, we must remain focused on addressing existing challenges,” the AGF stated.
Prince Kayode Adewale, a contestant for the vacant Owa-Obokun of Ijesa land throne, has urged the Osun state government and traditional kingmakers to rely on oracles and deities in selecting the next monarch of the ancient town.
Prince Adewale of the Owa Bilaro Oluodo Royal Family, made the call during a press conference in Ilesa, Osun State, on Thursday.
He noted that the Ifa oracle, along with the Obokun and Ogun deities, should be the determining factors in the selection process.
The stool became vacant following the passing of Oba Gabriel Aromolaran, who joined his ancestors on September 11, 2024, after a 42-year reign.
As the contest intensifies, an Osun State High Court, presided over by Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe, has restrained Governor Ademola Adeleke and others from appointing a new Owa-Obokun from the Haastrup family or any other candidate.
Amid the ongoing legal battles, Prince Adewale reaffirmed his interest in the throne, advocating for adherence to traditional processes to ensure fairness and legitimacy.
He said: “The Owa Obokun stool is not for sale. In Ijesaland when it’s comes to selection of a new King the Ifa, Obokun and Ogun deities will be consulted and the person that has the highest vote from them will emerge as the king.”
Declaring his intention, Adewale said he is committed to standardizing mining practices and implementing robust land reclamation policies.
“Ijeshaland is blessed with abundant natural resources, particularly in gold mining. However, our gold resources must be harnessed responsibly and sustainably. Under my leadership, I will work towards the standardization of gold mining practices, ensuring that this wealth benefits the people of Ijeshaland while preserving our environment for future generations.”
The House of Representatives on Thursday approved the extension of the implementation of the capital component of the 2024 budget from 31 December 2024 to 30 June 2025.
Leader of the House, Hon Julius Ihonvbere, laid the report of the report of the bill seeking the extension as the House dissolved into the Committee of Supply to consider it.
It is titled, “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Appropriation Act, 2024 to extend the implementation of the Capital Component of the Appropriation Act, 2024 from 31 December, 2024 to 30 June, 2025 and for Related Matters (HB.2023)”
Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who announced the adjournment of plenary to January 14, 2025, urged members to work hard in their various to ensure that the prompt passage of the 2025 budget upon resumption.
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) on Thursday condemned in strong terms the suspension of 18 local government chairmen and councillors in Edo state by the House of Assembly.
Governor Monday Okpebholo had accused the suspended chairmen of disobeying his instructions by allegedly refusing to submit their financial records to the state government.
However, the ALGON’s National Executive Council (NEC) and its Board of Trustees (BoT) on Thursday jointly condemned the decision saying the governor and lawmakers did not give the council chairmen fair hearing to defend themselves.
The association at an emergency meeting in Katsina state, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, emphasising the need to respect the autonomy and independence of local governments as guaranteed by the nation’s constitution and recent ruling by the Supreme Court.
“ALGON views this suspension as a setback for democracy and abuse of power, particularly since the chairmen were not given a chance to defend themselves.
“This suspension is invalid. It contradicts the Supreme Court’s judgment granting local governments autonomy,” the ALGON National Publicity Secretary, Hamisu Anani, in a statement said.
Anani stated that if the Edo State House of Assembly’s decision was right, it would not have generated criticisms across the length and breadth of the country.
“This suspension is unconstitutional; it is null and void.
“ALGON is hereby urging the Edo State House of Assembly to reverse the decision and respect the rule of law to strengthen democratic governance.
“ALGON also appeals to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt this abuse of power,” the statement said.
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