The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has accused state governors of unlawfully dissolving local government councils, defying both constitutional provisions and a Supreme Court ruling.
He described these actions as not only illegal but bordering on treason.
Fagbemi made this declaration on Wednesday at an event organized by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja. Represented by Tijani Gazali, Director of Civil Appeals at the Ministry of Justice, he lamented the persistent disregard for legal frameworks governing local government administration.
“Despite a clear Supreme Court ruling and constitutional safeguards, some governors, with the backing of their state assemblies, continue to unlawfully dissolve elected local government councils. This is a direct assault on democracy and the rule of law,” Gazali stated, echoing the AGF’s strong stance.
Local governments, often regarded as the closest tier of government to the people, are meant to function independently. However, many Nigerian governors have been accused of hijacking them, dismissing democratically elected officials and installing caretaker committees loyal to them.
The AGF did not mince words in condemning this practice, arguing that it undermines governance, denies communities vital development opportunities, and cripples grassroots democracy.
“It is alarming that even with a Supreme Court verdict reinforcing the autonomy of local governments, some governors still act with impunity. If this continues, then what is left of our democracy?”
State Attorneys Under Fire
Fagbemi also took aim at State Attorneys General and Commissioners for Justice, accusing them of failing in their duty to provide sound legal counsel to their governors.
“State legal officers must understand that their loyalty is first to the law, not to the whims of the executive. The silence of state Attorneys General on this matter is disappointing,” he said, calling for legal accountability at all levels.
To curb these unconstitutional actions, Fagbemi urged for stringent measures against governors who continue to tamper with local government structures. While he did not specify what penalties should be imposed, his statement signaled the possibility of legal reforms or federal intervention.
