Return To Work, Suspension Is ‘Illegal, Null And Void’; PDP Tells Suspended Local Govt Chairmen
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has strongly condemned what it described as illegal suspension of the Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.
It was earlier reported that a petition from the state Governor Monday Okpebholo led to the suspension of all the 18 local government chairmen and their vice for two months.
In his letter to the Edo State House of Assembly, the governor described the refusal of the council leaders to submit their financial records as “an act of insubordination and gross misconduct,” urging the lawmakers to address the matter.
The suspension resolution followed a motion moved by Isibor Adeh, representing Esan North East One, and seconded by Donald Okogbe of Akoko-Edo Two.
When the issue was debated, 14 members voted in favour of the suspension, six opposed it, while three abstained.
The Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, had earlier instructed all members to speak on the issue before ordering the clerk, Yahaya Omogbai, to conduct a headcount.
The House also directed legislative leaders of the councils to assume leadership during the suspension period.
It was also reported that Ogaga Ovrawah (SAN) & Co., the legal representatives of Hon. Newman Oghomwen Ugiagbe and 17 others, formally wrote to the Edo State House of Assembly regarding the suspension of the 18 elected local government chairmen.
The letter, addressed to Speaker Rt. Hon Blessing Agbebaku, references the Notice of Judgment in Suit No. B/257/2024, which challenges the action of the state governor.
The legal team, representing the 18 chairmen, informed the House of Assembly that the Governor of Edo State had requested a resolution to dissolve the councils before their three-year term, as prescribed by the Edo State Local Government Law, 2000.
This request, according to Ogaga Ovrawah (SAN) & Co., contradicts the principles outlined in the Nigerian Constitution.
In their letter, the legal representatives highlighted a previous communication sent on 22 November 2024, in which they presented the judgment from the Edo State High Court.
The court had ruled that Section 10(1) of the Edo State Local Government Law, 2000, conflicts with Sections 7(1) and (4) of the Federal Constitution.
Reacting to the suspension of the council chairmen, the PDP in a statement signed by its chairman in the state, Anthony Aziegbemi, described the suspension as unconstitutional and null and void.
“We categorically assert that this action is unconstitutional, null, and void,” the statement reads.
According to PDP, “This illegal suspension is a blatant disregard for the recent ruling of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, as well as the Supreme Court’s decision in a suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, which upheld the autonomy and independence of local governments as guaranteed under the Constitution of Nigeria.”
The statement further questioned how a governor could direct the State Assembly to suspend democratically elected chairmen of the 18 local councils on the grounds of insubordination, when these officials enjoy autonomy as stipulated by the Constitution and are not subordinates to the governor, the State Assembly, or any other branch of government.
The PDP also expressed concern that the chairmen and their deputies were not given a chance to defend themselves, being suspended on unfounded charges without due process—an act that violates constitutional rights.
The party stated, “The Constitution remains the supreme law of the land, and any attempt to undermine its provisions or disregard judicial rulings is not only illegal but also an assault on democracy and the rule of law.”
It added, “The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and the entire Assembly have clearly overstepped their constitutional mandate with this illegal action.
“We urge them to immediately reverse their decision, in respect for the rule of law and democratic governance.”
The PDP also instructed the council chairmen and their deputies to resume their duties tomorrow and continue with their responsibilities.
The opposition party called on the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation to intervene and rein in the Edo State Governor-elect, whose actions, the PDP argues, are in violation of the Constitution and pose a potential threat to public security.
