Renowned Nigerian lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, has advised Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, to resign from his position if President Bola Tinubu fails to heed his legal counsel.
Ozekhome made this statement while criticizing the Federal Government's decision to withhold funds meant for local governments in Osun State, describing it as politically motivated.
The senior advocate expressed concern over AGF Fagbemi's recent recommendation to the Ministry of Finance, suggesting that Local Government Area (LGA) allocations be released to sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) officials in Osun State.
"This is not good for democracy," Ozekhome stated, reminding President Tinubu of his own experience as Lagos State governor when then-President Olusegun Obasanjo withheld state allocations.
"The Supreme Court held that the Federal Government could never withhold funds meant for local governments in Lagos State," he emphasized, drawing parallels to the current situation in Osun.
Ozekhome expressed doubt that President Tinubu would reject proper legal guidance from Fagbemi, but added, "If he did give the advice and the President ignored it, then he ought to resign."
The legal luminary cited a historical precedent, noting that when former AGF Mohammed Bello Adoke advised then-President Goodluck Jonathan against removing the Governor of Plateau State while declaring a state of emergency, "The President abided by that advice."
This controversy highlights ongoing tensions between federal and state authorities regarding local government autonomy and financial control, a recurring issue in Nigeria's federal system.
The situation in Osun State continues to develop as stakeholders await the Federal Government's next steps regarding the withheld LGA funds.
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