Edo PDP demands reinstatement of suspended LG chairmen

The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the State House of Assembly to reinstate the 18 suspended local government chairmen and their deputies, emphasizing the need for effective grassroots governance.

Speaking at a press conference in Benin City, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee, criticized the suspensions, arguing that they did not follow due process.

He pointed out that the action violated Section 19 of the Edo State Local Government Law 2000, as amended in 2002.

Dr. Aziegbemi referenced a ruling by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, which stated that neither the state government nor the House of Assembly has the legal authority to suspend or dissolve elected local government officials.

He further cited a Supreme Court judgment from July 11, 2024, which reinforced that state governments cannot arbitrarily remove elected council members without following proper legal procedures.

Additionally, he noted that the Attorney General of the Federation had advised against such suspensions, stressing that only councilors have the constitutional power to remove local government officials.

Expressing concern over the administrative vacuum in Edo State, Dr. Aziegbemi warned that the lack of local government leadership has led to unapproved budgets and unauthorized expenditures.

He called on the Attorney General of the Federation to initiate contempt proceedings against the Attorney General of Edo State for defying the Supreme Court ruling. He also cautioned that allowing such a precedent to stand could jeopardize efforts to uphold local government autonomy across the country.