The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, on Thursday stated that a state governor has no right to remove a democratically elected local government chairman.
The AGF, who made this declaration in Abuja while providing an update on justice sector reforms during a citizen engagement program, noted that a state governor has no power to remove a local government chairman or official from office.
Fagbemi’s statement followed the suspension of the chairmen and vice-chairmen of the 18 local government councils in Edo State for two months by the State House of Assembly.
According to the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, since the July 11, 2024, judgment of the Supreme Court on local government autonomy, the removal of a local government chairman or official has become the prerogative of that local government through their legislative arms.
Earlier, Fagbemi reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring equitable access to justice, and building a justice system that is fair, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
To facilitate the speedy dispensation of justice, he noted that the Ministry has built and furnished courts in Kirikiri Prison in Lagos State and installed a Virtual Court System to fast-track trials and decongest custodial centers.
Fagbemi disclosed that his ministry has developed plea-bargaining guidelines for federal prosecutors. These guidelines provide a comprehensive framework to guide plea-bargaining practices, ensuring standardization, fairness, and transparency in the process.
The AGF highlighted 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.
