Edo PDP urges immediate reinstatement of suspended Local Government chairmen

The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the State House of Assembly to reinstate the 18 suspended local government chairmen and their deputies to ensure effective grassroots governance.

Addressing the media in Benin City, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee, contended that the suspensions did not adhere to due process and violated Section 19 of the Edo State Local Government Law 2000, as amended in 2002.

Dr. Aziegbemi highlighted that the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, had ruled that neither the state government nor the State House of Assembly possesses the authority to suspend or dissolve elected local government officials.

He referenced a Supreme Court judgment from July 11, 2024, which affirmed that elected council members cannot be dissolved by state entities without due process.

He further noted that the Attorney General of the Federation had advised against such suspensions, emphasizing that only councilors have the prerogative to remove local government officials.

Dr. Aziegbemi expressed concern that the absence of local government administration in Edo State has led to unapproved budgets and unauthorized expenditures.

He urged the Attorney General of the Federation to initiate contempt proceedings against the Attorney General of Edo State for disregarding the Supreme Court ruling, warning that the situation sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine efforts to ensure autonomy for local councils nationwide.

Sandra Udeike