The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said on Thursday that a state governor lacks the authority to dismiss a democratically elected local government chairman.
While providing an update on justice sector reforms during a citizen engagement event in Abuja, the AGF pointed out that a state governor has no legal power to terminate a local government chairman or any official’s position.
The suspension of the council chairmen and their deputies followed a motion proposed by the member from Esan North East 1, Isibor Adeh, and seconded by the representative of Akoko-Edo 2, Mr Donald Okogbe, after the state governor, Monday Okpebholo, submitted a petition to the House regarding the chairmen’s failure to present their local governments’ financial records to the state government.
In his letter, Okpebholo labelled their actions as insubordination and serious misconduct and asked the House to investigate the situation.
When asked about the matter, the AGF told reporters, “One thing I am certain of is that under this administration, no governor has the authority to dismiss any local government chairman.”
The Chief Law Officer of the Federation explained that following the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy on July 11, 2024, the power to remove a local government chairman or official now rests solely with that local government’s legislative body.
Earlier, Fagbemi reiterated the government’s dedication to maintaining the rule of law, providing equitable access to justice, and establishing a justice system that is just, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
He stressed that everyone must collaborate to create a justice sector that builds confidence and fulfils its mission to serve the populace.
