A non-partisan organization, The Campaign Against Impunity (CAI) Nigeria, has urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to respect the autonomy of local governments and adhere to the Supreme Court judgment that grants this autonomy.
The call comes in light of the Assembly’s recent indefinite suspension of Hon. Jelili Sulaiman, the council chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, due to what they described as non-compliance and defiance.
During a protest at the Assembly, National Coordinator Comrade Sina Loremikan emphasized that the lawmakers do not possess the authority to sanction or determine the fate of local government chairmen.
He argued that the actions of the Assembly contradict the Supreme Court’s ruling, which affirms local government autonomy across Nigeria.
Speaking to reporters, Loremikan drew parallels between the relationship of the National Assembly to state governors and the State Assembly’s relationship to local government officials, asserting that just as the National Assembly cannot sanction a governor, the State Assembly cannot sanction local government chairmen.
He stressed, “The Supreme Court has granted autonomy to the local government areas. This means that if any local government chairman does anything that is wrong, he can only be disciplined by the legislative arm of the local government and the councillors, not the State House of Assembly.”
He further argued that any disciplinary action should be communicated through written notice to the State Assembly by the local council, thereby reinforcing the independence of local governments. Loremikan highlighted that the local government autonomy was achieved after years of struggle and must be protected.
Deputy Speaker of the Lagos People’s Assembly, Comrade Kola Abe, supported Loremikan’s stance, condemning the Assembly for overstepping its constitutional boundaries.
He reiterated that Lagos State is not a “banana republic” and emphasized the necessity for lawmakers to obey the law.
Abe stated, “If the Supreme Court had granted autonomy to local government areas in Nigeria, there is no reason for the Lagos State House of Assembly to contravene the position of the apex court.”
He urged that local councils be allowed to operate independently, affirming that the autonomy of local governments is recognized by the Supreme Court.
Both leaders condemned the Assembly’s current actions, stating that it undermines the principles of democracy and the rule of law, warning that “an injustice to one is an injustice to all.”
Tribune
