The Lagos Assembly clarifies that its suspension of Alimosho chairman, Jelili Sulaimon, is legally backed, in line with statutory provisions.

The Lagos State House of Assembly, citing legal provisions, defends its power to suspend the Alimosho council chairman, Jelili Sulaimon, amidst public outcry.

The Lagos State House of Assembly exercised its legislative powers to suspend Alimosho Local Government Area chairman, Jelili Sulaimon, citing statutory provisions as the legal basis.

The Assembly responded to criticism from Sulaimon’s lawyer, Dr Abdul Mahmud, clarifying that their actions were in line with the Lagos State Local Government Administration Law and the Nigerian Constitution.

Section 24(a) of the Local Government Administration Law empowers the Assembly to suspend or remove council officials following investigations.

Furthermore, Section 128 of the 1999 Constitution grants the Assembly the authority to investigate matters under its jurisdiction.

The Assembly’s response stressed that local government councils, including their chairmen, derive authority from state law, which the Assembly creates and enforces.

The Assembly criticised attempts to sway public sentiment with emotional rhetoric, arguing that the laws are clear on legislative oversight.

It highlighted previous suspensions of the same chairman for violating local government regulations, reiterating the Assembly’s commitment to accountability.

It also rebuffed any comparison between the powers of the National Assembly and state legislatures in local government affairs, stating that only the state legislature holds such authority.

This legal stance ensures that the Lagos State House of Assembly remains the guiding force in maintaining order and transparency within local governments, further dismissing counterarguments that misinterpret legislative boundaries.