The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has challenged the legality of the Edo State House of Assembly’s decision to suspend the chairpersons of the state’s 18 local government areas.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Fagbemi emphasized that only the legislative arms within local governments have the authority to suspend or remove council chairpersons, not state assemblies or governors.
“Under the current constitutional framework, local government chairpersons cannot be arbitrarily removed or suspended without adhering to due process,” Fagbemi stated. He reiterated that state assemblies lack the constitutional powers to interfere in such matters.
The controversy erupted on Tuesday when the Edo State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, announced a two-month suspension of the chairpersons and their deputies. The suspension was based on allegations of gross misconduct, following a petition by Governor Monday Okpebholo. The petition accused the chairpersons of refusing to submit the financial records of their councils to the state government.
Fagbemi’s comments have sparked renewed discussions about the autonomy of local governments in Nigeria. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between state governments and local councils, raising questions about governance and adherence to constitutional processes.
Observers have called for a resolution that ensures transparency and respects the rule of law while safeguarding the independence of local government administration.
