The Edo State House of Assembly, led by Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, recently dismissed the Chairmen of all 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, following directives from Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The Assembly further instructed the leaders of the legislative arms in each council to assume leadership responsibilities.
This decision to suspend the council chairmen and their deputies was based on a motion moved by Isibor Adeh, representing Esan North East 1, and seconded by Donald Okogbe, representing Akoko-Edo 2.
Governor Monday Okpebholo had earlier petitioned the House, accusing the council chairmen of refusing to submit their financial records to the state government.
Meanwhile, a two-time governorship aspirant in Edo State and prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, High Chief Jacob Egietseme Idinye, has called on the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, to resign from his position over allegations of contempt of court.
Idinye criticized the Assembly’s decision, describing it as a flagrant violation of a recent ruling by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, and the Supreme Court’s judgment in a case filed by the Attorney General of the Federation. The rulings reaffirmed the autonomy and independence of local governments as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
The PDP chieftain said, “It is a sad day for every Edo son and daughter to have witnessed what could be simply described as legislative rascality at the Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
“The purported sack or suspension of Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas, LGAs, of Edo State by the Edo State House of Assembly, following the directive of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo despite 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, what the Assembly did today is a total nullity and will never stand.
“Similarly it is also on record that there was already a restraining order from the Federal High Court restraining the Assembly or anyone else to remove, suspend or sack the elected officials. Such an action not only disregards the rule of law but also sets a dangerous precedent for our democracy. A court order is binding and must be respected by all, including the legislative arm of government.
“However, amidst this illegality, I must commend the six legislators who stood their ground and opposed the suspension of the elected LG Chairmen and their deputies. Their courage and dedication to their party and principles deserve recognition and accolades. These six legislators are Charity from Ovia, Ason from Ikpoba Okha, Natacha from Egor, Omosigho from Oredo, the Deputy Speaker from Esan North-East, and the legislator from Igueben. I am utterly surprised that the Speaker who is a member of PDP will behave in such a despicable and ridiculous manner.
“It is equally appalling to hear that democratically elected Chairmen and their deputies would be sacked without being given the opportunity to be heard in their defence and were suspended and unheard on watery trumped up charges, in total disregard to the constitution. These elected officials enjoy autonomy and independence as enshrined in the constitution and are not subordinates or surrogates of the Governor, the State Assembly, or any other arm of government should know this and should not have erred. More disappointing is the Speaker of the Assembly, who should be able to tell the Governor the true picture of separation of powers and constitutional democracy.
“I strongly agree with the state chapter of our party, PDP over this disgusting and embarrassing development. The Constitution remains supreme, and any attempt to undermine its provisions or exercise disregard for 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 this obnoxious, illegal and unconstitutional decision, in respect to the rule of law and democratic governance.”
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