Edo PDP Condemns Suspension Of LGC Chairmen, Says Action Is Illegal, Null, Void

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned in the strongest terms the suspension of the Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Council (LGCs) of the State by the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), following the directive of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo.

Recall The9jaTREND earlier today report that Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) has passed a resolution suspending chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local government councils of the state for two months and
mandated leaders of the legislative arms to take over leadership of their respective councils.

In a statement signed by the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziiegbemi made available to newsmen stated that the action of the State House of Assembly based on the directive of the governor is is unconstitutional, null, and void.

According to Aziegbemi, “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?

“We are also aware that the Chairmen and their vices weren’t even given the opportunity to be heard in their defense and were suspended unheard on watery trumped-up charges, in total disregard to the Constitution.

“We want to restate that the Constitution remains supreme, and any attcmpt 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.”

While directing the council chairmen and their vice chairmen to report to their councils tomorrow to carry on with their normal duties, Aziegbemi further urged the Attorney General and minister of justice of the federation to call Governor Okpebholo to order as his action, he said is not only in breach of the constitution but a threat to security.’