“You Can’t Suspend Us” – Edo LG Chairmen Challenge Assembly
Eighteen local government (LG) chairmen in Edo State, who were suspended on Tuesday, have rejected the decision of the State House of Assembly. They argue that their suspension is illegal and cannot be enforced.
The Edo State House of Assembly suspended the chairmen for two months, accusing them of misconduct. The decision followed a petition submitted by Governor Monday Okpebholo. However, the suspended chairmen held a press briefing in Benin City to oppose the action. Under the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON),
Why Are the LG Chairmen Opposing the Suspension?
Newman Ugiagbe, chairman of Orhionmwon LGA and leader of ALGON in Edo State, said the suspension violates court orders. According to Ugiagbe:
- The chairmen were sworn in on September 4, 2023, and their tenure is to last until 2025.
- The State High Court previously ruled that local government executives cannot be dissolved before their three-year term ends.
- Another court order issued in December 2024 barred the Assembly and Governor from interfering in local government administration, including suspending or removing the chairmen.
Ugiagbe cited a Supreme Court ruling that prohibits governors or state assemblies from dissolving or interfering in local government administration. He argued that the Assembly’s actions are unconstitutional and null.
LG Chairmen Calls for Security and Support
Ugiagbe urged security agencies to:
- Protect local government assets and offices.
- Deploy personnel to all 18 local government secretariats to ensure operations continue without disruption.
He emphasized that the suspension threatens the constitutional authority of local governments and called for strict enforcement of the court’s rulings.
The Assembly suspended the chairmen and their deputies after Governor Okpebholo accused them of misconduct. The governor alleged they had refused to submit financial records of their local governments to the State Asset Verification Committee.
The chairmen maintain they will continue their duties as elected officials and insist that the suspension has no legal basis. They are calling for legal and security measures to protect their offices and ensure their work continues smoothly.
