AGF Fagbemi speaks on suspension of Edo LG chairmen

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has criticized the suspension of local government chairmen in Edo State by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

On December 17, the state House of Assembly, at the governor’s request, suspended 18 local government chairmen and their vice chairmen. The governor accused the chairmen and their deputies of insubordination and misconduct for failing to submit their financial statements to him.

Responding to the development, Fagbemi emphasized that only the legislative arm of the local government has the authority to remove or suspend council chairmen.

He explained that, under the current legal framework, local government chairmen cannot be dismissed or suspended by a governor without adhering to the appropriate legal processes.

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“I am aware that since July 11, when the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment, local government administration has taken a new turn, different from the old order.

“At any rate, we are still studying the situation but before final reaction, it must be stated categorically and emphatically that for now, local government chairmen can only be removed through the legislative arm of the local government itself and not the State House of Assembly,” Fagbemi said.