When a solicitor neglects or refuses to perform a duty or to take any steps required of him by a provision of this chapter, the Attorney General, on his own motion or by request of the Governor, must, in person or by an assistant, proceed to the locality and perform the neglected duty and take steps as are necessary in the place of the solicitor. The Attorney General may, in his discretion, cause a prosecution to be instituted not only in the matter neglected but also against the solicitor for malfeasance or misfeasance in office, for official misconduct, or for other charges justified by facts, and may pursue the prosecution to the extent of a conviction and dismissal from office of the solicitor. In this event, the Attorney General may appoint one or more additional assistants who must each receive while actually employed the same compensation, to be paid from the litigation fund of the Attorney General. Any duty imposed in this chapter upon a solicitor may be performed by the Attorney General or other person authorized by him to perform the duty.