Under Tinubu, governors have no power to remove LG chairmen – AGF

THE GUARDIAN 

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has declared that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, no governor will be allowed to remove local council chairpersons in violation of the Constitution unilaterally.

Responding to a question on the constitutionality of the purported sacking of Edo council chairmen by the state governor, Monday Okpebholo, yesterday, Fagbemi asserted that such actions violate constitutional provisions, which vest the power to remove local council chairpersons exclusively in the legislative arm of the councils.

Fagbemi referenced a recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the autonomy of local governments, reiterating that governors lack the authority to dissolve councils or dismiss their leaders. He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is committed to enforcing constitutional safeguards that guarantee the independence of the local councils.

The minister also highlighted key reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria’s justice sector. These he said, include the newly introduced National Policy on Justice (2024–2028), which seeks to address systemic challenges in the sector.

Fagbemi stated that the administration is leveraging technology, fostering harmony within Nigeria’s plural legal system, and enhancing the justice sector’s contributions to national security, electoral integrity, and economic growth.

HOWEVER, Governor Monday Okpebholo, yesterday, constituted a seven-man panel of inquiry to investigate the suspended 18 local council chairmen and their vices.   The panel is headed by a former Permanent Secretary in the state, Solomon Imohiosen, while Osagie Asabor is the Secretary. Other members are Adaze Andrew Enwanta, Patrick Idiake, Dorine Eduwui, Henry Unoakhe Itseuwa, and Prince Kassim Afegbua

ALSO, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, invited all the suspended 18 local council chairmen in Edo State for questioning over their financial records.   The invitation was contained in a letter titled: “Investigation Activities, Letter of Invitation”, by EFFC Director of Investigation, Abdulkarim Chukkol, addressed to the Secretary to the State Government.   Chukkol, in the letter dated December 17, directed the chairmen of Akoko-Edo, Egor, Esan Central, Esan North East, Esan South East, and Esan West to report at its office yesterday, December 19. Others also expected at the commission yesterday are the Chairmen of Etsako Central, Etsako East, and Etsako West local councils.   The remaining chairmen from Igueben, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, Ovia North East, Ovia South West, Owan East, Owan West, and Uhunmwode local councils are scheduled to report on Friday, December 20.