The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Thursday, declared that the ministry has achieved milestone achievement in the outgoing year saying the feat underscored the unwavering commitment of the Federal Ministry of Justice towards fostering transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in the administration of justice in Nigeria.
Fagbemi stated this in Abuja at a public engagement session organised to update citizens and the media on the strides recorded by the Ministry so far and to receive feedback from all stakeholders for future improvements.
The AGF also at the programme described as illegal and unconstitutional, the suspension of the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas in Edo State.
According to him, the removal from office or suspension of any elected LG official in the country is the prerogative of the legislative arm in the LGA.
His position on the issue he said was based on the July 11 judgement of the Supreme Court that granted autonomy to the 774 LGAs in the country.
He was partly quoted: “One thing that I know and can say without fear is that under the present dispensation, the Governor has no right to remove any local government chairman.
“That much I know. If I did not know before, since July 11, 2024, I became aware of it that removal of any local government chairman or official would be the prerogative of that local government, through their legislative house,” the AGF stated.
He stated further that his initial reluctance to react to the development was because he wanted to know the basis upon which the LGA officials in Edo state were reportedly suspended.
Their controversial suspension it would be recalled, was attributed to alleged gross misconduct and insubordination.
The Edo State House of Assembly suspended the chairmen and vice chairmen of the LGAs for two months on the order of Governor Monday Okpebholo via a letter from the governor, who leveled the accusation, alleging that they failed to submit their financial reports from September 23, 2022, to date, as directed.
While speaking further on the ministry’s achievements, Fagbemi said:
“The justice sector has made remarkable progress in recent years, driven by the dedication and hard work of the departments and units of the Ministry, partners, and stakeholders.
He cited development and adoption of the National Policy on Justice, 2024, which was developed in collaboration with stakeholders to address the challenges militating against effective administration of justice in Nigeria as a precursor of the 2017 – 2023 Policy.
Others according to him are; the National Policy on Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution, 2024, Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, facililitation of speedy dispensation of justice among others.
On the ACJA, Fagbemi added: “The Attorney-General is obligated to make these reports available upon request to human rights organizations, and in cases where no report is submitted, the Magistrate must escalate the matter to the Chief Judge and state Attorney-General for appropriate action.Section 34 of the Act mandates the magistrates to conduct monthly inspections of Police Stations and detention facilities within their territorial jurisdiction, with the provision that in the absence of a Chief Magistrate, any Magistrate designated by the Chief Judge can perform this duty.
“In the course of the visit, the magistrate is expected to;Inspect the police detention registerInspect the cellsInterview the suspects to know when they were arrested, the offense for which they were arrested, and whether they are humanely treated while they are in detention, grant bail in deserving cases where the magistrate has jurisdiction.
The AGF reminded stakeholders that the day’s engagement offered a unique opportunity for open dialogue, which will enable all identify gaps, propose solutions, and prioritize actions for the next phase of justice sector reforms.
Giving a welcome address earlier, the Director Information and Public Relations, Mrs Modupe Ogundoro, described the Administration of Criminal Justice and Reforms Department (ACJR&D) and the Federal Justice Sector Reform Coordinating Committee (FJSRCC) as the drivers delivering the impactful reforms so far recorded by the Ministry to address the needs of Nigerians.
Ogundoro said: “As the Ministry strives to improve the justice sector, we recognize the importance of citizen engagement and participation as contained in the ministerial deliverables.
“Your input is therefore crucial in shaping policies and reforms, ensuring they are responsive to the needs of the Nigerian citizens.”
