Aftermath Of Edo LGA’s Suspension: Council Chairmen Resolute, Seek Security Protection, As Attorney General Speaks

The suspension of 18 Local Government Area chairmen and vice chairmen in Edo State has sparked a wave of open resistance and concern for safety among the affected Council officials.

Deacon Newman Ugiagbe, Chairman of ALGON, Edo State, addressed newsmen in Benin City, emphasizing that despite allegations of insubordination, gross misconduct, and corruption by the Edo State House of Assembly, the council chairmen remain committed to fulfilling their constitutional obligations.

The ALGON Chairman referenced a judgment from the Edo State High Court, presided over by Chief Judge Honorable Justice Daniel Okungbowa, and an interim injunction from Benin High Court 11, which collectively bar the Edo State government and House of Assembly from interfering with the local government chairmen’s tenure.

These judicial pronouncements effectively render the Assembly’s suspension of the chairmen ultra vires, null, and void, and of no effect whatsoever, he said.

According to Ugiagbe, the chairmen’s tenure, which began on September 4, 2023, is set to expire in 2025, and they maintain that their suspension violates court orders and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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The ALGON Chairman emphasized that the Supreme Court has also ruled against governors and state assemblies dissolving or interfering with local government administration, deeming such actions unconstitutional.

In light of these developments, the ALGON Chairman has called on security agencies to protect local government assets and ensure an enabling environment for the chairmen to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

This development highlights the ongoing power struggle between the Edo State government and the local council chairmen, with the latter refusing to back down in the face of adversity.

Reacting to the plight of the council Chairmen, the Attorney general of the state Hon. Samson Osagie, said the democratic structure has not been altered, adding that their decision to challenge the outcome of the suspension seats well with the position of the law as per their rights.

While advising them to have a different view in their position to remain in office after the suspension pronouncement as they sought security protections, Hon Osagie emphasized that there was only one Chief Security officer in the state.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the state government will respond to the chairmen’s demands for security protection.