The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has described 2024 as a milestone year for the Federal Ministry of Justice, highlighting significant strides in promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in Nigeria’s justice system.
Fagbemi made the remarks in Abuja during a public engagement session to provide updates on the Ministry’s achievements and gather feedback from citizens and stakeholders for future improvements.
At the session, the AGF condemned the recent suspension of the chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Edo State by the Edo State House of Assembly , describing the infamous action as illegal and unconstitutional.
He cited the July 11, 2024 Supreme Court judgment which affirmed the autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 LGAs and declared that the removal or suspension of elected local government officials falls under the purview of the legislative arm of the respective LGAs.
Fagbemi said, “One thing I know and can say without fear or favour is that, under the present dispensation, the governor has no right to remove any local government chairman. That is the prerogative of the local government’s legislative arm.”
The Edo State LGA chairmen were suspended by the Edo Assembly while Governor Monday Okpebholo accused them of gross misconduct and failure to submit financial reports from September 2022 to date.
But Fagbemi stressed that any such suspension must follow due legal procedures.
Fagbemi further highlighted several achievements of the Ministry under his watch, including the *National Policy on Justice 2024*, developed in collaboration with stakeholders while the policy addresses challenges affecting the administration of justice.
According to the AGF, the National Policy on Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution 2024*, aimed at promoting non-litigious methods of resolving disputes.
The *Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015*, which includes measures to ensure the speedy dispensation of justice and improved conditions in detention facilities.
On the ACJA, Fagbemi reiterated the importance of compliance with Section 34, which mandates magistrates to inspect police detention facilities monthly.
The AGF added that during such visits, magistrates are required to inspect detention registers, interview suspects, and grant bail where necessary.
The AGF called on stakeholders to leverage public engagement platforms to identify gaps, propose solutions, and prioritize reforms in the justice sector.
Earlier, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Modupe Ogundoro, praised the Ministry’s reform initiatives, particularly the efforts of the Administration of Criminal Justice and Reforms Department (ACJR&D) and the Federal Justice Sector Reform Coordinating Committee (FJSRCC).
Ogundoro emphasized the importance of citizen participation in shaping justice sector reforms, saying that , “Your input is crucial in ensuring policies are responsive to the needs of Nigerians.”
The session underscores the Ministry’s commitment to fostering accountability and inclusivity while addressing pressing challenges in Nigeria’s justice system.
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