Edo Assembly Suspends LG Chairmen, Vice Chairmen; PDP Rejects Action
The Edo State House of Assembly has suspended the chairmen and vice chairmen of all 18 local government areas in the state for two months. The suspension was based on accusations of gross misconduct and insubordination.
The Assembly directed the suspended officials to hand over power to the legislative leaders in their respective local governments.
Reason for Suspension
The suspension followed a letter from Governor Sen. Monday Okpebholo, who accused the local government chairmen of refusing to submit their financial reports. The reports cover the period from September 23, 2022, to date.
The governor had earlier ordered the council leaders to submit the reports, but they reportedly refused, claiming they have financial autonomy as upheld by a Supreme Court ruling.
Assembly Debate and Decision
During the plenary session on Tuesday, Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku presided as the House debated the motion.
- The motion to suspend the chairmen was moved by Hon. Isibor Adeh (Esan North East I) and seconded by Hon. Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo II).
- The governor’s petition titled “Insubordination and Gross Misconduct by the 18 Local Government Chairmen Over Their Refusal to Submit Financial Records for Scrutiny”, dated December 16, triggered the Assembly’s action.
- The Assembly acted under Section 20(b) of the Local Government Act, which allows it to suspend council officials for up to two months while investigations are ongoing.
The session became heated, leading to disagreements among lawmakers. Out of the 24 Assembly members, 14 supported the motion, 6 opposed it, and 3 remained undecided.
Hon. Charity Aigueobarhugia, the Majority Leader, cautioned against the suspension. He suggested giving the council chairmen a chance to defend themselves before the Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
ALGON’s Response
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) rejected the suspension. ALGON argued that a state high court ruling had already repealed the law used for the suspension. They also cited a Supreme Court judgment that grants financial and administrative autonomy to local governments, making state interference illegal.
ALGON hinted that the council chairmen might not comply with the Assembly’s directive due to these legal rulings.
PDP’s Reaction
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has condemned the suspension, calling it unconstitutional.
- Tony Aziegbemi, the PDP State Chairman, said the suspension goes against the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy.
- He revealed that the suspended officials had already obtained a restraining court order preventing their suspension or dissolution.
- Aziegbemi urged the chairmen and vice chairmen to resume their duties and called on the Federal Government to intervene.
- He further suggested that the Federal Government withhold allocations for the 18 local governments until the officials are reinstated.
“The Assembly’s action is null and void. Local government autonomy must be respected,” Aziegbemi stated.
What’s Next?
The suspension has sparked intense political and legal debate in Edo State. Many are watching closely to see how the conflict between the state government, local governments, and the PDP will be resolved. Legal challenges are expected, and the coming weeks may see further developments as the issue unfolds.
