The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has condemned the suspension of the 18 local government chairmen by the State House of Assembly, describing it as unconstitutional and void.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Benin, the PDP Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi, argued that the suspension violated the recent ruling of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, as well as the Supreme Court’s affirmation of local government autonomy under Nigeria’s Constitution.
Aziegbemi questioned how the governor could instruct the State Assembly to suspend democratically elected chairmen, highlighting that local government officials are supposed to operate independently, as stipulated in the Constitution.
The Edo State House of Assembly had suspended all 18 local government chairmen and their vice chairmen for alleged insubordination and misconduct. However, Aziegbemi emphasized that the chairmen were not given an opportunity to defend themselves and were suspended without a hearing, based on what he described as unfounded and baseless charges.
He denounced the suspension as not only illegal but also an attack on democracy and the rule of law. Aziegbemi further criticized the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly for overstepping their constitutional bounds.
The PDP leader urged the House of Assembly to immediately reverse its decision, stressing the importance of respecting the rule of law and democratic principles. He also called for the intervention of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, arguing that the actions of the Edo State government posed a threat to constitutional order and public security.
