ACN Condemns Suspension Of 11 LG Chairmen

Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Rivers State chapter, has decried the sacking of 11 Council Chairmen and subsequent swearing in of their deputies as acting chairmen by Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, saying the action amounts to usurping the function of the State House of Assembly, and is therefore unlawful, illegal, null and void.

The State ACN Publicity Secretary, Jerry Needam, said this in a press statement he issued on behalf of the party.

According to the statement, the governor’s action violated sections 13 and 64 of the Local Government Law which he (Amaechi) accented to.

The ACN insists that even though the suspended council chairmen were illegally put in office against court proceedings challenging their legitimacy, it is the House of Assembly that is vested with such powers to call council chairmen to order.

“It’s also laughable that the reason being given for such extreme action of the governor is lateness and, or absence at meeting, a proof that governor Amaechi is more of a sole administrator than a democrat,” the statement noted.

The ACN described the governor’s action as executive lawlessness.

“This is what happens when the people have been cowed and the opposition silenced, and in the absence of who to traumatise, the devourer turns to its own kind,” the ACN remarked, urging Governor Amaechi to as a matter of urgency rescind his decision.

—  Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt