The Edo State House of Assembly has caused a stir by suspending the chairmen and vice-chairmen of the state’s 18 local government councils for two months, citing allegations of insubordination and gross misconduct.
This move, which came under the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo, has raised concerns over the state’s defiance of the recent Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy.
Okpebholo had previously lodged a petition against the chairmen, accusing them of failing to submit their financial records to the state government. The governor labeled their actions as acts of insubordination and gross misconduct.
However, the suspension has been criticized for its blatant disregard for the landmark decision by the Supreme Court and the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.
The Supreme Court ruling, in a case filed by the Attorney General of the Federation, affirmed the constitutional independence of local governments, which the suspension directly contravenes.
Attorney General of the Federation, Later Fagbemi (SAN), swiftly reacted, asserting that governors have no constitutional authority to suspend or remove elected local government chairmen. “Governors do not have the right to suspend or remove duly elected local government chairmen,” he told reporters.
In a unified response, all 18 local government chairmen have rejected the suspension, calling it unconstitutional and a direct violation of court orders.
Newman Ugiagbe, the Executive Chairman of Orhionmwon LGA and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Edo State, described the suspension as a “brazen disobedience to the constitution.”
Under the law, it is the responsibility of the local councilors to impeach a chairman accused of misconduct, not the state assembly or governor.
Despite this, the PDP-majority state assembly has endorsed the suspension, leading to accusations that it is rubber-stamping the governor’s actions.
Adding to the controversy, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has now summoned the suspended chairmen for possible corruption investigations, further complicating the situation.
The unfolding events have raised questions about whether Fagbemi will take action against what many see as an assault on the Supreme Court’s judgment and the Constitution, especially given that Governor Okpebholo is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
As the situation develops, all eyes are on both the federal and state governments, with many Nigerians, including those in Edo State, closely monitoring the situation.
