The Edo State House of Assembly has announced a two-month suspension of all 18 local government council chairmen and vice chairmen, following a resolution passed on Tuesday. The Assembly directed the leaders of the legislative arms to assume leadership of their respective councils during this period.
The decision for suspension stemmed from a motion introduced by a member representing Esan North East 1, which was seconded by the member from Akoko-Edo 2. This action was prompted by a petition from Governor Monday Okpebholo, who raised concerns regarding the chairmen’s failure to submit financial reports to the state government. In his letter, the governor characterized their refusal as insubordination and gross misconduct, requesting the Assembly to investigate the matter.
During the Assembly session, 14 members supported the suspension motion, while six opposed it, and three remained neutral. The Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, emphasized the importance of all members contributing to the discussion before a decision was reached.
The opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has criticized the suspension, claiming it lacked constitutional validity. In a statement from the PDP’s Caretaker Chairman, the party condemned the action as unconstitutional, asserting that the chairmen were not afforded the opportunity to defend themselves. The PDP highlighted that the action contradicts a recent ruling by the Chief Judge of Edo State and the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming local government autonomy.
The PDP further questioned the governor’s authority to demand financial statements from local councils in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling, stating that democratically elected officials are independent and not subject to directives from the governor or the Assembly. The party has called for an immediate reversal of the decision, citing a respect for the rule of law and democratic governance.
One of the affected local government chairmen, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated that the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Edo State would soon comment on the situation. He confirmed receipt of the suspension notice but stated he could not speak on behalf of the council as he is not the ALGON Chairman. A formal statement is expected in the coming days.