Kehinde Fajobi
The Edo State House of Assembly has suspended the chairmen and vice chairmen of the state’s 18 local government councils for two months over alleged gross misconduct and insubordination.
The assembly directed the suspended officials to hand over leadership to the legislative leaders of their respective councils.
The decision followed a letter from Governor Monday Okpebholo accusing the council leaders of refusing to submit financial reports from September 23, 2022, to date, as requested.
The governor’s directive was reportedly resisted by the council leaders, who cited their financial autonomy, upheld by the Supreme Court.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, the assembly adopted a motion to suspend the officials.
The motion was moved by Hon. Isibor Adeh (Esan North East I) and seconded by Hon. Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo II).
Governor Okpebholo’s petition, dated December 16 and titled “Insubordination and Gross Misconduct by the 18 Local Government Chairmen Over Their Refusal to Submit Financial Records for Scrutiny”, triggered the suspension.
The assembly invoked Section 20(b) of the Local Government Act, which allows for the suspension of local government officials for two months pending investigation.
The motion generated intense debate, with Majority Leader Hon. Charity Aigueobarhugia urging caution.
“The chairmen should be given a fair hearing by appearing before the Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to defend themselves,” he argued.
The session ended in a vote, with 14 members supporting the suspension, six opposing it, and three abstaining.
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has reportedly vowed non-compliance, citing a state high court ruling that repealed the law used for the suspension.
ALGON also referenced a Supreme Court judgment protecting local governments from state interference.
In a swift response, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) rejected the suspension, calling it unconstitutional.
State Chairman Tony Aziegbemi stated, “The assembly’s action is null and void. The Federal Government should ensure compliance with the Apex Court’s ruling by withholding allocations meant for the 18 local governments until the chairmen and vice chairmen are reinstated.”
Aziegbemi further claimed the council leaders had secured a restraining order against their suspension or dissolution, which the assembly disregarded.
“The chairmen and vice chairmen should resume their duties immediately. Neither the governor nor the assembly has the power to suspend or dissolve elected local government councils,” he insisted.