Prince Kasim Afegbua, a member of the Edo State Assets Verification Committee and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has strongly criticized the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, over his remarks concerning the suspension of 18 local government chairmen in Edo State.
Afegbua expressed his disapproval in a statement issued in Benin City, describing the AGF’s comments as hasty and legally unfounded. He emphasized that the Edo State House of Assembly acted within the bounds of the law when it suspended the local government chairmen to investigate alleged financial irregularities, contrary to the AGF’s claims that the Assembly had no authority to do so.
Afegbua’s Defense of the Edo Assembly’s Actions
Afegbua explained that the suspension was carried out under the Edo State Local Government Law of 2000, which empowers the House of Assembly to oversee local government administration. He argued that the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government financial autonomy does not strip state assemblies of their legislative and oversight powers.
“The suspension was in line with the law to enable investigations into financial activities and not to remove the chairmen, as the AGF alleged. Suspension is distinct from removal,” Afegbua clarified.
He further noted that the suspension was a temporary measure, lasting two months, during which the speakers of the legislative arms of the affected councils would serve in an acting capacity.
Concerns Over the AGF’s Comments
Afegbua criticized the AGF for what he termed a “misplaced outburst,” accusing him of failing to consider the legal framework governing the relationship between state governments and local governments.
He stated, “It is injurious to our collective psyche for the AGF to hurriedly conclude that we removed the chairmen. The law is clear on the distinction between suspension and removal.”
Key Points Highlighted by Afegbua
1. Existing Laws: Afegbua pointed out that the 1999 Constitution and local government administration laws enacted by state assemblies provide a legal basis for the actions taken by the Edo State Assembly.
2. Checks and Balances: He emphasized the importance of legislative oversight in curbing financial mismanagement at the local government level.
3. Misinterpretation of Supreme Court Judgment: Afegbua argued that the Supreme Court’s ruling on financial autonomy does not eliminate the authority of state assemblies to intervene when necessary.
Afegbua urged the AGF to exercise caution and thoroughness before issuing statements on sensitive matters. He reiterated that the Edo Assembly acted within its constitutional and legal powers, stressing that the ongoing investigation would determine the fate of the suspended chairmen.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between federal directives on local government autonomy and state-level legislative oversight.
Peoplesmind
