18th December, 2024
By Jethro Ibileke
The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lambasted the State House of Assembly, over what it called “illegal suspension of the Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs)”, at the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The Assembly had on Tuesday suspended the chairmen and vice chairmen for a period of two months, following a petition by the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, over alleged insubordination and gross misconduct.
The Governor accused the council chairmen of refusal to submit the accounts statements of their respective local government councils to the state government.
But, the State chairman of PDP, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, in a statement Tuesday night, described the suspension as unconstitutional, null and void.
“The illegal suspension is a blatant disregard of the recent ruling of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, and the Supreme Court’s decision, in a suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, which affirmed the autonomy and independence of local governments as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“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?”, he asked.
Aziegbemi stated that the party was also aware that the suspended Chairmen and their vices were not given the opportunity to be heard, but were suspended on watery trumped up charges, in total disregard to the Constitution.
The state PDP chairman added: “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.”