Edo Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted the suspension of chairmen in the 18 local governments (LG) of Edo by the House of Assembly.
A statement by Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, the state PDP Chairman on Tuesday in Benin, described the action as unconstitutional, null, and void.
He noted that the suspension disregarded the recent ruling of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.
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Aziegbemi claimed that the suspension was a blatant violation of the Supreme Court’s decision, which affirmed the autonomy and independence of local governments, as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“How can a governor direct the State Assembly to suspend democratically elected chairmen of the 18 local councils for insubordination when these officials enjoy autonomy and independence as enshrined in the Constitution,” he said.
He noted that local council chairmen were not subordinates of the governor, the State Assembly, or any other arm of government.
He expressed concern over the complete disregard for the Constitution and the judiciary’s rulings.
“We are also aware that the Chairmen and their vice chairmen were not given the opportunity to defend themselves.
” They were suspended unheard, based on watery, trumped-up charges,” Aziegbemi said.
He stressed that such actions were not only illegal but also a direct assault on democracy and the rule of law.
“The Constitution remains supreme, and any attempt to undermine it must be resisted,” he added.
Aziegbemi said that the Speaker and the entire Edo House of Assembly had clearly exceeded their constitutional mandates by carrying out the illegal action.
He urged the Assembly to immediately reverse its decision in respect for the rule of law and the principles of democratic governance.
He emphasized that adherence to the Constitution was non-negotiable.
“We therefore direct the council chairmen and their vice chairmen to report to their councils tomorrow and carry on with their normal duties,” Aziegbemi said.
He also called on the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation to intervene, stating that the state government actions constituted a breach of the Constitution and a threat to security.
How Edo assembly suspended
Edo House of Assembly passed a resolution suspending chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local governments in the state for two months for alleged insubordination and gross misconduct.
At plenary on Tuesday, the House also mandated leaders of the legislative arms in the local governments to take over leadership of the respective councils.
The suspension followed a petition written by the Governor, Monday Okpebholo to the House over the refusal of the chairmen to submit their financial records as directed.
Okpebholo had on Dec. 3, 2024 given the council chairmen 48 hours to submit their statements of account from September 2023 to date to the Edo State Assets Verification Committee.
In the letter, the governor described their action as an act of insubordination and gross misconduct and requested the House to look into the matter.
The suspension of the chairmen and the vice chairmen was sequel to a motion moved by Mr Isibor Adeh (APC Esan North East1) and seconded by Donald Okogbe (PDP Akoko-Edo11)
After the debate, the Speaker, Mr Blessing Agbebaku called for voting on the matter
After voting, 14 members supported the motion for their suspension, six were opposed to the motion while three members refused to either support or oppose the motion.
