The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has stated that no State Governor in the country has a right to remove a democratically elected Local Government Chairman.
The AGF, who made this declaration while providing an update on justice sector reforms during a citizen engagement program, in Abuja on Thursday.
He noted that a State Governor has no power to remove a Local Government Chairman or official from office.
This clarification is coming on the heels the suspension of the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Councils in Edo State.
Recall that the Chairmen and their Vices were suspended for two months by the Edo State House of Assembly.
The suspension followed a motion moved by the member representing Esan North East 1, Isibor Adeh, and seconded by the member representing Akoko-Edo 2, Mr. Donald Okogbe.
This was after a petition from the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to the House. The Governor had alleged that the Chairmen refused to submit financial records of their Local Governments to the State Government.
The Governor described their actions as acts of insubordination and gross misconduct. He, therefore, requested the House to look into the matter.
However, responding to a question on the development, the AGF told newsmen, that no Governor can remove elected Chairman.
He said, “One thing I know, and I can say without any fear, is that under this dispensation, no Governor has the right to remove any Local Government Chairman.”
Fagbemi pointed to the significance of the July 11, 2024, judgment of the Supreme Court on Local Government autonomy. He noted that the removal of a Local Government Chairman or official has become the prerogative of that Local Government through their legislative arms.
This is even as the AGF reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. He, therefore, assured of equitable access to justice, and building a justice system that is fair, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
Fagbemi, therefore, stressed the need for all hands to be on deck in fostering a justice sector that inspires confidence and delivers on its mandate to serve the people.
He noted that the Ministry has built and furnished courts in Kirikiri Prison in Lagos State. And also installed a Virtual Court System, VCS, to fast-track trials and decongest custodial centers.
The Attorney-General also disclosed that his ministry has developed plea-bargaining guidelines for federal prosecutors. He noted that these guidelines provide a comprehensive framework to guide plea-bargaining practices. And will also ensure standardization, fairness, and transparency in the process.
Fagbemi, therefore, emphasized that the event underscores the Federal Ministry of Justice’s unwavering commitment to fostering transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in the administration of justice in Nigeria.
According to him, the justice sector has made remarkable progress in recent years. These include the development and adoption of the National Policy on Justice, and the National Policy on Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (2024). And the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
Other areas of progress he noted include plea-bargaining guidelines and the facilitation of speedy justice dispensation. He also mentioned the Justice Information Management System (JIMS), Child Justice Reform, Justice Sector Synergy and Collaboration Building, and the ongoing audit of correctional centers.
In her earlier address, the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Ministry, Mrs. Modupe Ogundoro, noted the importance of the session.
She stated that the objective of the engagement session is to update citizens on the milestones achieved by the Federal Ministry of Justice in the outgoing year. To receive feedback on justice sector reforms, provide a platform for citizen engagement with the Ministry and its partners. And identify areas for improvement and future reforms.
Ogundoro said, “At the end of this engagement, it is expected that it will increase awareness and understanding of the justice sector reforms. Improve citizen engagement and participation in the justice sector and identify areas for improvement and future reforms. And strengthen partnerships between the Ministry, its partners, and citizens.”
source: Nigerian Tribune
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