Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the ruling of the High Court nullifying the suspension of 18 local government chairmen in the state was a victory for democracy.
The State’s PDP Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, said the ruling was particularly significant as it would help restore the hope of people in the judiciary.
In a statement on Friday, Aziegbemi directed the 18 council chair and their deputies to move back to their offices and resume work.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) heartily welcomes the ruling of the High Court sitting in Benin City, which granted the application to reinstate the chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local government areas who were illegally and unconstitutionally suspended by the Edo State House of Assembly at the behest of the Governor-select, Monday Okpebholo.
“The court in the ruling also directed the defendants, including the Edo State Government, the Governor-select, and the Attorney General, among others, not to give effect to the House of Assembly resolution purportedly suspending the 18 council chairmen.
“This landmark decision is a victory for the Edo people, democracy and the rule of law. We heartily felicitate the local council executives and celebrate the judiciary for standing on the path of truth, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding the nation’s democracy,” he said.
The Edo PDP chairman noted that the ruling was timely as the last governorship election tribunal case remained active.
“We consider this ruling timely and particularly significant as it will help restore hope in the people that the judiciary still remains the last hope of the common man, especially as the tribunal proceedings on the 2024 governorship election continue, where the PDP is resolute on reclaiming the mandate overwhelmingly given to it by the people of Edo State.
“On the back of the position that the judiciary has clearly espoused, we urge all local government chairmen to return to their offices and continue their work of advancing grassroots development and the delivery of impactful governance for the benefit of their communities,” he stated.
Anthony Aziegbemi stressed the need for all stakeholders to respect the court’s decision in the interest of peace and compliance with the rule of law.
He further called on security agencies to protect the local council chairmen to ensure they carry out their duties.
“While we urge all stakeholders to respect this decision in the interest of peace and in compliance with the rule of law, we also call on the police and all security agencies to come out in their full regiment to protect the local government councils and the chairmen, ensuring they can effectively carry out their constitutional duties and responsibilities,” he added.