The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the suspension of the chairmen of the state’s 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) by the Edo State House of Assembly, allegedly acting on the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Naija News had earlier reported that the House suspended the council executives at plenary on Tuesday.
In a statement signed by Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP, the party described the action as unconstitutional, null, and void.
The PDP argued that the suspension was a clear violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as a disregard for a recent ruling by Edo State’s Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, and a Supreme Court verdict affirming the autonomy and independence of local governments.
“How can a governor direct the State Assembly to suspend democratically elected chairmen of the 18 local councils for insubordination when these elected officials enjoy autonomy and independence as enshrined in the Constitution and are not subordinates of the Governor, the State Assembly, or any other arm of government?” Dr. Aziegbemi questioned.
He stressed that local government officials are not subordinates of the governor, the State Assembly, or any other arm of government.
The PDP further criticized the process leading to the suspension, noting that the council chairmen and their deputies were not granted the opportunity to defend themselves before being sanctioned.
The party described the charges against the officials as “trumped-up and baseless” and condemned the decision as a flagrant disregard for the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
The statement further read, “We are also aware that the Chairmen and their vices weren’t even given the opportunity to be heard in their defence and were suspended unheard on watery trumped up charges, in total disregard to the Constitution.
“We want to restate that the Constitution remains supreme, and any attempt to undermine its provisions or disregard the judiciary and its rulings is not only illegal but also a direct attack on democracy and the rule of law.
“The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and the entire Assembly have clearly overstepped their constitutional mandates with this illegal action and we urge them to immediately reverse its decision, in respect to the rule of law and democratic governance.
“We therefore direct the council chairmen and their vice chairmen to report to their councils tomorrow to carry on with their normal duties.
“We also invite the Attorney General and minister of justice of the federation to call the Edo State Governor-select to order as his action is not only in breach of the constitution but a threat to security.”