In a dramatic move that has set off political and legal debates across Edo State, the Edo State House of Assembly has suspended the chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local government areas in the state for two months, citing alleged gross misconduct and insubordination....Read Full Article >>➤
The controversial suspension, which is scheduled to take effect immediately, follows the failure of the local government leaders to submit their financial reports from September 23, 2022, to date, as directed by Governor Sen. Monday Okpebholo.
The Assembly’s decision, which was made during a plenary session on Tuesday, instructed the council leaders to hand over their administrative duties to the legislative leaders in their respective local governments until the investigation is concluded. This drastic action stems from a letter sent by Governor Okpebholo accusing the local government chairmen of refusing to comply with the financial reporting directive, a situation the governor claims undermines transparency and accountability within the state’s local governments.
The suspension motion, which was moved by Hon. Isibor Adeh (Esan North East I) and seconded by Hon. Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo II), was adopted by a majority vote after a heated debate in the assembly. The motion was supported by 14 members, with six opposing it, and three members abstaining. Despite the support, the session became rowdy, with members of the opposition voicing their concerns over the fairness and constitutionality of the action.
The Assembly’s move was also backed by Section 20(b) of the Local Government Act, which allows for the suspension of local government officials pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct. However, the decision did not come without resistance. The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has expressed its disagreement with the suspension, claiming that the council leaders are not obligated to comply. ALGON cited a recent ruling by the state high court, which had repealed the law used to justify the suspension, as well as a Supreme Court judgment that reaffirms the financial autonomy of local governments and limits state interference in their affairs.
This controversy has fueled further division in the state’s political landscape. The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the suspension, describing it as unconstitutional. PDP State Chairman Tony Aziegbemi has called for the reinstatement of the suspended council leaders, pointing out that the assembly has ignored a restraining order issued by the council leaders, which prevents any action to suspend or dissolve local government councils. Aziegbemi argued that the assembly’s decision violates the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy and urged the Federal Government to withhold allocations meant for the affected local governments until the chairmen and vice chairmen are reinstated.
“The actions of the Edo State House of Assembly are illegal and unconstitutional. The Federal Government must intervene to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment by withholding allocations to the suspended councils until justice is served,” Aziegbemi said.
The controversy surrounding the suspension of the local government officials has sparked widespread debates among the people of Edo State, with many concerned about the legality of the Assembly’s action and its potential consequences for the state’s political stability. Legal experts and political analysts are watching closely as this case unfolds, especially with the tension between the state government, the House of Assembly, and the opposition parties continuing to grow.
As the matter moves forward, both sides are expected to continue to argue their positions in court and through political channels, making the situation a critical point of focus in Edo State’s political landscape in the coming weeks. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of local government autonomy and the relationship between state and local governance across Nigeria.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as it progresses through the courts and political arenas.
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