… As Sanwo-Olu applauds the Body of Attorneys-General of States of the Federation
Lagos State is currently hosting a 3-days meeting with the Body of Attorneys-General of States of the Federation (BOAGs) which is ongoing at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The meeting is been organized to discuss several critical legal issues bordering on the London/Paris Club loan Refund claim, Value Added Tax (VAT), stamp duty, Amendments to the 1999 Constitution (Amended), among others.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu in his welcome address applauded the body of Attorneys-General for organizing the meeting to discuss critical issues and proffer solutions for the betterment of the country.
“The roles played by Chief Law Officers across the Federation cannot be overemphasized and we also know how important it is to have you all at the helm of affairs in the country”. Governor Sanwo-Olu noted.
The governor expressed his delight at hosting the meeting, stating that he will continue to provide support to the BOAGs.
In his keynote address, the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN) stated that there can be no better time for the Chief Law Officers of the 36 States of the Federation to come together to critically look into provisions of the laws and the attendant issues thrown up as they continue the march to nationhood.
Akeredolu noted that the 1999 Constitution has been amended twice in which there is another promise of further amendments arising from the manifest irregularities in many provisions, stating that this has compelled many lawyers and educated citizens to insist on having a new constitution which will reflect the agitations of the groups which make up the country
He stated that the structure of the federal police has failed while calling on the establishment of state police to maintain law and order due to the current spate of insecurity across the country.
The Governor challenged the 36 State Attorney’s General to take a stand on restructuring to curtail the Federal Government’s unbridled quest for more powers.
The Attorney General of Lagos State and Interim Chairman of the BOAGs, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), in his address noted that the body was established as part of efforts to form a formidable force to take positions on legal issues, advice the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and take legal action or review legal actions taken on behalf of all the states.
“The forum provides a platform for peer learning and deliberation on common issues that affect the collective interest of the member states with a view to finding lasting solutions as this will remain at the core of our convergence and deliberations”.
Onigbanjo stated that part of its mandate includes the pursuit of true federalism, adherence to the constitution, rule of law, independence of the judiciary, as well as liaison with the AGF on behalf of the states on legal issues.
Other critical legal issues discussed at the meeting includes the State Anti-Corruption Commission established by States, FIRS threat to recovering “unremitted tax deductions by States” and Local Governments, current issues in the legal profession and related matters, pensions and gratuity for Judges, amongst others.