NEWS
Don’t Be Ignorant Of The Law, Lagos Assembly Hits Back At Suspended Chairman, Lawyer
- says law does not recognise sentiment, emotions
The Lagos State House of Assembly has asked suspended chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, Jelili Sulaimon, and his lawyer, Dr. Abdul Mahmud, to recognise the place of law rather than sentiments and emotions as guiding principles of legislative practices in Lagos State.
The advice by the Assembly on Tuesday was in response to the purported reaction of the duo to the suspension of the council chairman by the House on Monday at plenary.
The House, in the reaction signed by Hon. Stephen Ogundipe,
chairman, Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, further advised Jelili against ascribing self-made meanings to the laws empowering the lawmakers act where necessary in the interest of the people.
Read the full reaction below:
JELILI SULAIMAN’S SUSPENSION BACKED BY LAW
The attention of the Lagos State House of Assembly has been drawn to a statement supposedly signed by Dr. Abdul Mahmud, counsel to the embattled Alimosho local government chairman, Mr. Jelili Sulaimon, claiming to condemn the unanimous agreement of the Assembly to suspend his client on Monday, October 7, 2024.
Beyond the sensational rhetoric and half-baked details in the statement that is replete with emotions rather than deep-thoughts, it is pertinent to break down the real situation and puncture arguments as to the powers of the House to suspend Mr. Jelili.
In his race to the public to ‘garner’ sentiments, Jelili’s lawyer forgot to remember that there are no local government areas that created themselves. In other words, the creation of a local government follows strict processes of the law and Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) creates the path to knowledge about this.
“The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this Constitution guaranteed; and accordingly, the Government of every State shall, subject to Section 8 of this Constitution, ensure their existence under a Law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of such councils.” Does this answer a question from the arguments of Jelili’s lawyer as to who has the power to create laws that regulate the activities of local government councils and their administration?
For better understanding, that section provides for the existence of: democratically elected system of Local Government to be guaranteed by a law of the State House of Assembly.
The same section provides that the House of Assembly is required to make provisions for statutory allocation of public revenue to Local Government Councils in a State. Section 8(3) highlights the procedure to be undertaken by a State House of Assembly in the creation of a new Local Government Area(s) in a State while Section 8(4) highlights the procedure to be undertaken by a State House of Assembly, through law, in the boundary adjustment of existing Local Government Areas.
Now, Section 162 (8) of the Constitution stipulates that a Law of the State House of Assembly shall provide for the distribution of monies standing to the credit of Local Government councils in a State.
Maybe we should remind him, his client and those travelling with him that Section 128 of the same Constitution further gives clarity to the powers of the House of Assembly.
“Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, a House of Assembly shall have power
by resolution published in its journal or in the
office Gazette of the Government of the State
to direct or cause to be directed an inquiry or
investigation into –
(a) any matter or thing with respect to which it
has power to make laws.
Here and based on the above constitutional provision, we are moved to ask again: who is legally guaranteed to make the law that creates the running of the local government? It is definitely not the National Assembly which is granted the constitutional powers to create states and not local governments.
This brings us to the Lagos State Local Government Administration Law (as amended) upon which the creation, administration and related activities of the local government system of Lagos State are based.
For better public information and effective knowledge, Section 24(a) of the amended law gives powers to the Lagos State House of Assembly to pass a resolution for the removal or suspension of any chairman, vice chairman, or official of any local government area (LGA) or local council development area (LCDA) after conducting an investigation. It states further that all that is needed for this resolution is a simple majority of the Assembly members. This emphasis is further highlighted in Section 5 of the law.
The amendment aims to ensure accountability and maintain order within the local government structure in Lagos State.
With this level of enlightenment as to the position of the laws guiding the administration of local government councils, it is further important to avoid misinformation or misrepresentation of the recent Supreme Court judgement concerning local governments in Nigeria. There is a marked difference between financial autonomy (upon which the lawyer’s argument rests) and administrative powers of the House. The rush to churn out a defence armed, albeit, with inferior understanding of the Supreme Court judgement does not give a sufficient case against the action of the House of Assembly.
The Local Government Administration law from which the council chairman and other elected officials of the local government system derive their powers is a product of the House of Assembly. The office of the Auditor-General for Local Governments that monitors the financial activities of this third tier of government is created by the law made by the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The Local Government Service Commission which handles issues relating to the officials of local governments is a creation of the House of Assembly. The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) that conducts elections into elective offices at the local government level is a creation of the House of Assembly. Therefore, jettisoning these facts will amount to a poor knowledge of the legislature. If you say the Lagos State House of Assembly does not have the power over local governments, it means all these laws created by the House should not be in place. If the laws should not be in place, then why would local governments exist?
We learnt that in a bid to protect the chairman, the councillors of the Alimosho Local Government Area hurriedly suspended the Vice Chairman, Akinpelu Johnson. To show how laughable this is, it is good to note that the law guiding them does not have a provision for suspension. The Local Government Administration law gives them the opportunity to remove a chairman or vice chairman but this also comes with a process. Thus, the suspension of Johnson is simply invalid. It is therefore necessary to remind the council leader that he can also be removed in line with the Local Government Administration law of Lagos State. If he does not know this, then, it is a pity.
For the few trying to juxtapose the functions of the National Assembly with those of the House of Assembly in this case, they should take a chill pill and request to be tutored. The National Assembly cannot interfere with the runnings of a State. It is not a part of its duty. On the other hand, the constitution grants the State House of Assembly powers over the local governments.
It is to be noted that this is not the first time the Lagos State House of Assembly would be suspending the same council chairman. In May 2021, he was suspended with two others by the House for their total disregard for the local government guidelines created by the State Legislature.
While we urge against mawkishness, we would also like to task residents of the council and members of the public not to allow themselves be swayed by positions and opinions that are opposite the law in this regard.
In a significant boost to youth empowerment and alternative energy transportation, the Federal Government has officially commissioned a new Automotive Training Centre in Gusau, Zamfara State. The facility has already commenced operations with an inaugural cohort of 100 youths trained in mechatronics a specialized field combining mechanical and electronic engineering specifically focused on the repair of both petrol and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tricycles and motorcycles.The project was executed through a strategic partnership between the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the Zamfara State office of the Made in Nigeria Special Project. The initiative is designed to address two critical national challenges: rising youth unemployment and the need for a skilled workforce capable of maintaining the growing fleet of CNG-powered vehicles, which are being promoted as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol-only engines.Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal, hailed the centre as a transformative step forward. “This is not just about building a workshop; it is about building futures,” Governor Lawal stated. He emphasized that the centre aligns seamlessly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes job creation and economic diversification, while also reflecting his administration’s commitment to developing skilled manpower across the state. He noted that the focus on CNG technology is particularly timely, given the federal government’s push to lower transportation costs following the removal of fuel subsidies.Reinforcing the federal perspective, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, reaffirmed the government’s broader vision for the automotive sector. He highlighted that the Gusau centre is part of a nationwide strategy to expand Nigeria’s automotive industry through increased local production, the establishment of industrial hubs, and strategic partnerships with global investors. “We are moving from a culture of importing fully built vehicles to one where Nigerians design, assemble, and maintain our own transportation solutions,” Senator Enoh remarked. He added that mechatronics training is critical for the next generation of automotive engineers, who will be essential as the country transitions toward more sustainable fuel sources.Local community leaders and representatives of the trained youths expressed optimism about the initiative. For many of the graduates, the certification offers a viable pathway out of economic hardship, enabling them to set up their own repair workshops or gain employment in the formal automotive sector. The NADDC has indicated that similar training centres are being planned for other states, with the aim of creating a national network of CNG-compatible repair and maintenance hubs.
NEWS
Governor Dauda Lawal names executive secretaries for two agencies, appoints ZACADEP coordinator
Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal has approved the appointment of three qualified citizens to head two key state government agencies and a major development project. Disclosing the approval, the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, said the appointments are aimed at strengthening the government’s ongoing reforms and service delivery initiatives in the areas of public health, agriculture, livestock development and community-based interventions. Dr. Muhammad Habibu Yelwa is appointed as the new Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Substance Abuse and Control Agency, while Dr. Usman Ismaila Gusau is named as the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Livestock Agency. Similarly, Governor Lawal has reappointed Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed Nakwada as the State Project Coordinator of the Zamfara State Agricultural and Community Development Project (ZACADEP). These appointments take immediate effect.Dr. Muhammad Habibu Yelwa is a seasoned medical practitioner and administrator with extensive experience across the health, social welfare and agricultural sectors. He has served as Permanent Secretary in several ministries and contributed to major policy and institutional reforms in the state. Dr. Usman Ismaila Gusau is a veterinary medicine specialist and public health expert with over twenty-five years of professional experience in veterinary services, epidemiology, livestock health management, and public sector administration. Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed Nakwada is an experienced agricultural development expert with decades of engagement in agricultural extension, project management, IFAD-supported programmes, and community development initiatives. He currently serves as State Project Coordinator for ISDB ZACADEP. Governor Lawal urged the appointees to deploy their knowledge, administrative experience, and sector-specific expertise to drive impactful development in their respective assignments, in line with his administration’s Rescue Agenda.
NEWS
EID EL-ADHA 2026: Governor Dauda Lawal Urges Increased Prayers for Peace, Hails Return of Displaced Communities
As Muslims across the world celebrate Eid al-Adha 2026 yesterday, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has called on the faithful to intensify prayers for lasting peace in the state and Nigeria at large. The governor made the appeal in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, ahead of the Eid prayers.
Eid al-Adha, known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is observed annually by Muslims on the 10th day of Dhulhijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The festival commemorates the unwavering obedience and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.), who was willing to sacrifice his son Isma’il in submission to Allah’s (SWT) command an act replaced by divine intervention with a ram.
In his address, Governor Lawal reflected on the spiritual significance of the season, noting that the sacrificial rite not only honours Prophet Ibrahim’s submission but also forms an essential part of the Hajj rituals for pilgrims currently in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
“I felicitate with the Muslims on the occasion of Eid al-Adha 2026,” the governor said. “The sacrifice performed during Eid is symbolic of Prophet Ibrahim’s submission and is also part of the Hajj rites for pilgrims.”
The governor specifically called on residents of Zamfara, particularly those undertaking the pilgrimage, to remain steadfast in prayers for the state and the nation.
“We have made significant progress in the fight against banditry, which is why dispersed communities are now returning to their homes,” Lawal stated. He cited a recent milestone: “Last week, we successfully returned thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral community of Fegin Kanawa Village in Gusau Local Government Area after over a year of displacement.”
According to officials, the village had been abandoned due to repeated bandit attacks, forcing residents to seek refuge in overcrowded camps or host communities. The successful return of the IDPs marks one of the administration’s key achievements in its ongoing security and reconstruction efforts.
Governor Lawal expressed gratitude to Allah for enabling the state to witness what he described as a “historic” achievement the airlift of pilgrims from Gusau International Airport, which has now resumed full operations after previous disruptions.
“We are committed to ensuring the safe return of all displaced persons to their homes. Such successes are only possible due to our collective prayers. I urge us to pray more, especially during sacred religious festivals,” he added.
The governor concluded his message with warm wishes: “I wish everyone a peaceful Eid celebration.”
Following the broadcast, Governor Lawal joined thousands of worshippers at the Gusau Central Eid prayer ground, where he observed the two-unit Eid prayer and listened to the customary sermon (khutbah). Security was notably heightened across the state, with checkpoints and patrols deployed to prevent any attacks during the celebrations.
Zamfara, like much of Nigeria’s North-West region, has faced years of insecurity fueled by banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes. The governor’s emphasis on prayer reflects a broader strategy that combines military offensives, community dialogue, and spiritual advocacy to restore normalcy.
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