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Justice Minister insists governors lack power to sack elected local government officials
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Says Supreme Court ruling has redefined autonomy of council administration
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Cautions Edo governor after suspension of 18 chairmen and deputies
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has faulted Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, over the suspension of 18 local government chairmen and their deputies, declaring that such action is unconstitutional.
The development followed the December 17, 2024, decision of the Edo State House of Assembly to suspend the chairmen after the governor accused them of insubordination and financial misconduct. He alleged that the council leaders refused to submit their financial statements to his office, describing the act as gross misconduct.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Fagbemi cautioned that governors no longer wield powers to remove or suspend elected local government officials under Nigeria’s democratic framework.
He explained that the constitution places such disciplinary authority strictly in the hands of the legislative arms of the councils themselves.
He referenced the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court delivered on July 11, which he said redefined the legal boundaries of local government administration in Nigeria and curtailed arbitrary interference by state executives.
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“Local government chairmen cannot just be removed or suspended by any governor without following due process of law,” the Justice Minister said, emphasising that chairmen can only be removed through the legislative arms of their councils.
Fagbemi noted that his office was still reviewing the Edo case but insisted that the law remains clear on the limits of executive powers regarding local government administration at the state level.
