The political climate in Edo State has been thrown into turmoil following the suspension of local government chairmen and vice-chairmen across the state by the Edo State House of Assembly. The 18 council leaders were handed a two-month suspension over allegations of gross misconduct and insubordination.
The assembly, presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, directed that the suspended officials relinquish control to their legislative leaders pending investigations. This action came after a petition from Governor Monday Okpebholo, who accused the council officials of defying an order to submit financial reports covering the period from September 2022 to date.
Governor Okpebholo’s letter, dated December 16, highlighted “Insubordination and Gross Misconduct” as the reasons for the suspension. He argued that the refusal to comply with the financial reporting directive undermined state oversight. The assembly invoked Section 20(b) of the Local Government Act, granting it authority to suspend officials for up to two months during investigations.
During the heated plenary session, 14 lawmakers supported the suspension motion, moved by Hon. Isibor Adeh (Esan North East I) and seconded by Hon. Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo II). However, six members opposed the decision, with three abstaining. Majority Leader Hon. Charity Aigueobarhugia raised concerns over the fairness of the move, urging the assembly to allow the council leaders to defend themselves before the Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The decision has met stiff resistance from the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). ALGON rejected the suspension, referencing a state high court ruling that invalidated the law used as a basis for the action. Additionally, ALGON cited a Supreme Court judgment affirming local government autonomy, arguing that the state government has no legal grounds to interfere.
State PDP Chairman Tony Aziegbemi condemned the suspension as unconstitutional. He pointed out that the council leaders had secured a restraining order against any such action and accused the assembly of disregarding the judiciary. “This suspension holds no legal validity,” Aziegbemi stated, urging the Federal Government to intervene by withholding allocations to the local governments until the officials are reinstated.
The suspension has ignited debates over local government autonomy and the extent of state legislative authority. Legal analysts have weighed in, suggesting that the Supreme Court’s ruling on financial independence for local governments could shape the outcome of this political standoff.
With tensions rising, observers are keenly watching how the battle between state authorities and local government leaders unfolds. The suspended officials, buoyed by ALGON and the PDP, appear determined to resist what they view as an overreach, while the assembly insists it is acting within its powers to uphold accountability.
The coming weeks promise to be decisive, as legal challenges and political negotiations will likely dominate the narrative. For now, the people of Edo State wait to see how their representatives handle this governance crisis.
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