Benin City, Nigeria — The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the State House of Assembly to immediately reinstate the 18 suspended local government chairmen and their deputies, arguing that their removal was unconstitutional.
Addressing the press in Benin City, the PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, condemned the suspensions, citing a violation of Section 19 of the Edo State Local Government Law 2000, as amended in 2002.
Dr. Aziegbemi accused the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led state government of deliberately weakening grassroots governance and disregarding established legal provisions. He referenced a ruling by Justice Daniel Okungbowa, Chief Judge of Edo State, which affirmed that neither the state government nor the House of Assembly has the constitutional authority to suspend or dissolve elected local government officials.
Drawing attention to a Supreme Court ruling delivered on July 11, 2024, and the stance of the Attorney-General of the Federation, he insisted that the removal of local government officials can only be executed through due process initiated by their respective councilors.
The PDP leader further criticized the Edo State government for allegedly running local councils without an approved budget, awarding contracts without legislative oversight, and mismanaging public funds.
Commending the Attorney-General of the Federation for upholding the rule of law, Dr. Aziegbemi called for contempt proceedings against Edo State’s Attorney-General for disregarding the Supreme Court’s directive.
He cautioned that the ongoing situation in Edo State could pose a significant threat to President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to ensure full local government autonomy nationwide.
By Enoch Odesola | March 18, 2025
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