News

You Can’t Suspend Us’ – Edo LG Chairmen Dare Okpebholo, Assembly

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on December 19th, 2024.

You Can’t Suspend Us’ – Edo LG Chairmen Dare Okpebholo, Assembly

The 18 local government chairmen in Edo State have rejected their suspension by the state House of Assembly, describing the action as unconstitutional and vowing to challenge it in court.

The chairmen, through their lawyer, Ogaga Ovrawah (SAN), stated that they had not received any official notice of suspension and would continue to perform their duties. They referenced a recent court judgment declaring that the House lacks the authority to dissolve or suspend democratically elected local government councils before the expiration of their tenure.

The suspension, announced on Tuesday, followed a letter from Governor Monday Okpebholo, who accused the chairmen of insubordination and gross misconduct for failing to submit their councils’ financial records as requested. In response, the governor inaugurated a panel to investigate the matter, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in local governance.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) condemned the suspension, describing it as an abuse of power and a setback for democracy. ALGON argued that the action contradicts the Supreme Court’s judgment granting local governments autonomy and called on the governor and the Assembly to reverse the decision in the interest of the rule of law.

At a press conference, Newman Ugiagbe, Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Area, speaking on behalf of the suspended chairmen, asserted that they were elected officials with a tenure lasting until September 2026. He cited court judgments supporting their position and called on security agencies to protect council assets and ensure the uninterrupted functioning of local government operations.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Samson Osagie, stated that the lawmakers acted appropriately and that the outcome of the panel’s investigation would determine any further actions regarding the suspended chairmen.

This development has sparked a debate over the autonomy of local governments and the extent of state oversight in Nigeria’s federal system.