By Okeke Eunice
On Tuesday, the Edo State House of Assembly approved a resolution to suspend the chairmen and vice chairmen of all 18 local government councils in the state for two months.
The Assembly further directed the legislative leaders of each council to assume leadership during the suspension period.
This decision followed a motion introduced by Isibor Adeh, representing Esan North East 1, and supported by Donald Okogbe, representing Akoko-Edo 2.
The move came after Governor Monday Okpebholo submitted a petition to the Assembly, accusing the council chairmen of failing to provide their financial records to the state government.
In the letter, the governor labeled the refusal of the local government chairmen to comply as insubordination and gross misconduct, urging the House to investigate the issue.
During Tuesday’s debate, 14 lawmakers backed the motion to suspend the chairmen, six opposed it, and three chose to remain neutral.
Speaker Blessing Agbebaku emphasized that every member of the House was required to express their stance on the matter.
The Speaker stated, “I urge all members of the House to voice their opinions on this matter before a decision is made.”
Once everyone had spoken, the Speaker instructed the Clerk, Yahaya Omogbai, to conduct a headcount to determine the members who supported or opposed the suspension of the council chairmen and their deputies.
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State criticized the suspension of the 18 local government chairmen.
In a statement, Edo PDP Caretaker Chairman Tony Aziegbemi condemned the action, arguing that the chairmen and their deputies were denied the chance to defend themselves, labeling the suspension as unconstitutional.
The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has strongly criticized the suspension of the 18 Local Government Area Chairmen by the Edo State House of Assembly, acting on Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive.
The party stated unequivocally that the action is unconstitutional, invalid, and without legal basis.
It further described the suspension as a clear violation of a recent ruling by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, and a Supreme Court decision in a case brought by the Attorney General of the Federation, which upheld the autonomy and independence of local governments as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
The PDP argued that Governor Okpebholo lacked the authority to request financial statements from the local government councils, citing the Supreme Court’s decision affirming their autonomy.
The party questioned how a governor could direct the state assembly to suspend democratically elected chairmen of 18 local councils for alleged insubordination, emphasizing that these officials operate independently as outlined in the Constitution and are not subordinate to the governor, the assembly, or any other government body.
The PDP also criticized the lack of due process, pointing out that the chairmen and their deputies were not given the opportunity to defend themselves before being suspended on flimsy, fabricated charges, which it described as a blatant disregard for the Constitution.
The party reaffirmed the supremacy of the Constitution, warning that any attempt to undermine its provisions or ignore judicial rulings constitutes an illegal act and a threat to democracy and the rule of law.
It accused the Speaker and the Edo State House of Assembly of exceeding their constitutional authority and called for an immediate reversal of the suspension to uphold the principles of rule of law and democratic governance.
Meanwhile, in an interview with a national television, one of the suspended local government chairmen, speaking anonymously due to a lack of authorization, mentioned that the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state would issue an official statement in the coming days.
He added, “We are aware of the suspension notice, but I cannot comment further as I am not the ALGON Chairman for the state.”
“Nonetheless, we will share our stance in the near future.”