Edo Assembly suspends LG chairmen, vice chairmen; PDP rejects action

The Edo State House of Assembly has suspended the chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local government areas in the state for two months, citing alleged gross misconduct and insubordination. The assembly directed the council leaders to hand over administration to the legislative leaders of their respective local governments.

This decision followed a letter from Governor Sen. Monday Okpebholo accusing the council leaders of insubordination after they failed to submit financial reports from September 23, 2022, to date as directed. The governor’s directive, however, was reportedly resisted by the council leaders, who cited their financial autonomy as upheld by the Supreme Court.

During Tuesday’s plenary presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, the assembly adopted a motion for the suspension of the council officials. The motion was moved by Hon. Isibor Adeh (Esan North East I) and seconded by Hon. Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo II).

The governor’s petition, dated December 16 and titled “Insubordination and Gross Misconduct by the 18 Local Government Chairmen Over Their Refusal to Submit Financial Records for Scrutiny,” prompted the assembly to act under Section 20(b) of the Local Government Act, which empowers the house to suspend local government officials for two months pending investigation.

The motion sparked a heated debate in the assembly, leading to a rowdy session. Out of 24 members, 14 supported the suspension, six opposed it, and three remained undecided. Majority Leader Hon. Charity Aigueobarhugia cautioned against the suspension, urging the assembly to grant the chairmen a fair hearing by inviting them to defend the allegations before the Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has reportedly indicated that the council leaders may not comply with the directive, citing a state high court ruling that repealed the law used for the suspension. ALGON also referenced a Supreme Court judgment that excludes local governments from such state interference.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has rejected the suspension, describing it as unconstitutional. State Chairman Tony Aziegbemi called on the suspended officials to resume their duties, insisting that neither the governor nor the assembly has the power to suspend or dissolve elected local government councils.

Aziegbemi highlighted a restraining order obtained by the council leaders against any suspension or dissolution, which he said the assembly ignored. He also referenced the Supreme Court’s recent ruling affirming financial autonomy for local governments.

“The assembly’s action is null and void. The Federal Government should ensure compliance with the Apex Court’s ruling by withholding allocations meant for the 18 local governments until the chairmen and vice chairmen are reinstated,” Aziegbemi said.

The development has sparked widespread debate, with many watching closely to see how the legal and political tussle will unfold in the coming weeks.