THE SUSPENSION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMEN IN EDO STATE BY THE STATE ASSEMBLY AS WELL AS THE HARASSMENT OF A SENIOR LAWYER, WOLE IYAMU, SAN: OUR POSITION.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, expresses its profound sorrow and indignation over the incidences of Tuesday, the 17th day of December 2024, that appeared to stand the rule of law on its head.

The NBA Benin Branch was aghast when it received the news that the Edo State Assembly purportedly suspended the democratically elected Local Government Chairmen in the guise of misconduct. The NBA Benin Branch states categorically that the recent Supreme Court decision in AG of the Federation v. AG of Abia State & Ors (2024) LPELR-62576 (SC) has affirmed beyond peradventure the autonomy of the local governments. We, therefore, urge all actors to constrain themselves to act within the ambit of the law. The law has provided for the proper channels to anyone who desires to find out the true financial state of the Local Government Councils.

We appeal to the Attorney General and all other ministers in the temple of justice to advise accordingly in line with the tenets of the law as the rule of law must be seen to be above all.

In a similar vein, reports indicate that Mr. Wole Iyamu, SAN, a senior lawyer and a past Attorney General of the state, suffered harassment at the premises of the High Court by non-state actors, purportedly on the premise that he had state property in his possession. The NBA Benin Branch categorically states that affairs of the state are conducted by law enforcement and officers of the state. It is bad enough for anyone to usurp the legally designated roles of law enforcement agencies, but it is unacceptable for such usurpation to happen on the premises of our temples of justice. We, therefore, call on the Commissioner of Police to look into the harassment of Mr. Iyamu and bring the perpetrators of such attacks to book. The NBA Benin Branch will never sit idly by and watch the rights of individuals get trampled upon, let alone one of its members.

The NBA Benin Branch will continue to advocate for justice, fairness, and accountability in all spheres of society.

Signed,

Chairman,

Nigerian Bar Association Benin Branch.

Date: 20th December, 2024.