Politics
Lawmakers Hit Back At Suspended LG Chairman And Lawyer: Sentiments Are Irrelevant
Lawmakers Hit Back At Suspended LG Chairman And Lawyer: Sentiments Are Irrelevant....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Lagos State House of Assembly has urged the suspended chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, Jelili Sulaimon, and his lawyer, Dr. Abdul Mahmud, to prioritize the law over sentiments and emotions in their understanding of legislative practices in Lagos State. This statement comes in response to the pair’s reaction to the chairman’s suspension, which was unanimously approved by the House on October 7, 2024……CONTINUE READING
Dr. Mahmud had publicly criticized the suspension, revealing that a case has been filed against the Lagos State Assembly at the Federal High Court. In a statement signed by Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, the chairman of the Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, the House advised Sulaimon to avoid misinterpreting the laws that empower lawmakers to act in the public interest.
The statement addressed Mahmud’s claims, emphasizing that local governments are established through legal processes. Citing Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), it stated that the establishment and governance of local government councils are guaranteed under state law.
“The system of local government by democratically elected councils is guaranteed by this Constitution, which requires each state government to ensure their existence through legislation that defines their structure, functions, and financial operations,” the statement explained. This provision clarifies the authority of the House of Assembly in creating laws regulating local government activities.
Section 162 (8) of the Constitution mandates that state laws govern the distribution of funds allocated to local government councils. Furthermore, Section 128 affirms the powers of the House of Assembly to initiate inquiries or investigations into any matter within its legislative authority.
The statement reiterated that the National Assembly does not possess the power to create local governments, reinforcing the jurisdiction of the Lagos State House of Assembly over local governance. The Lagos State Local Government Administration Law (as amended) further supports the House’s authority to suspend or remove local government officials after conducting an investigation, requiring only a simple majority for such resolutions.
The assembly emphasized the importance of understanding the legal framework governing local government councils and cautioned against misinterpreting the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding financial autonomy and administrative powers.
Additionally, the statement pointed out that the Local Government Administration Law is the foundation for the powers held by local government officials, including the Auditor-General for Local Governments and the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).
In an attempt to shield Sulaimon, the councillors of Alimosho Local Government hastily suspended Vice Chairman Akinpelu Johnson. However, the assembly noted that this suspension lacks legal basis, as the Local Government Administration Law does not provide for such an action. The statement also reminded council leaders that they could also be removed under the same law.
The assembly further clarified that the National Assembly cannot interfere in state matters, as it does not have jurisdiction over local governments. This is not the first suspension for Sulaimon; he faced a similar situation in May 2021 for disregarding local government guidelines established by the State Legislature.
In closing, the House urged residents and the public to remain informed and not be swayed by opinions that contradict the law.
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