
Lagos Assembly Defends Suspension of Alimosho LG Boss, Dismisses Claims of Unconstitutionality
The Lagos State House of Assembly has asserted that the suspension of Jelili Sulaimon, Chairman of Alimosho Local Government, was carried out in accordance with the law and constitutional procedures. This clarification follows accusations by Dr. Abdul Mahmud, legal counsel for the suspended chairman, who labeled the action as “illegal and unconstitutional.”
Mahmud’s statement, issued on behalf of Levite Solicitors and Arbitrators, criticized the Lagos Assembly and its Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, claiming the suspension undermined local government autonomy as affirmed by the recent Supreme Court decision.
Responding, Olukayode Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, dismissed the claims as “rhetoric” and highlighted that the suspension followed proper legal procedures. He emphasized that the constitutional authority of state houses of assembly to regulate local governments, including the power to suspend chairmen, is outlined in Section 7 and other relevant sections of the Nigerian Constitution.
Ogundipe further pointed out that Lagos State’s Local Government Administration Law provides the Assembly with clear powers to suspend local government officials, requiring only a simple majority vote after conducting an investigation. This law, according to Ogundipe, ensures accountability and maintains order within the local government system.
He also clarified that the Supreme Court ruling concerning local government autonomy pertains to financial independence, not administrative powers, asserting that the Lagos Assembly acted within its constitutional rights.
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