AGF Declares Dismissal of LG Chairmen as Treason
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister for Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has issued a stern warning to state governors regarding the unlawful removal of democratically elected local government chairpersons, categorizing such actions as treasonable offenses. Speaking at a State of the Nation Discourse organized by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja, Fagbemi emphasized that the dissolution of elected local government councils by state authorities contravenes constitutional provisions and undermines democratic governance.
Represented by Tijani Gazali (SAN), Director of Civil Appeals in the Ministry of Justice, Fagbemi highlighted that despite a Supreme Court judgment prohibiting the illegal removal of elected local government officials, some states persist in this unconstitutional practice. He stated unequivocally, “Let me state in unequivocal terms that this act is tantamount to treason and must be treated as such.”
Fagbemi further clarified that while Section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution grants governors immunity from prosecution, continuous disregard for the Supreme Court’s ruling could lead to severe consequences for the offending states. He also criticized legal professionals, including state attorneys-general, for failing to provide proper counsel to their respective governors, thereby enabling the perpetuation of these illegal actions.