The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned in the strongest terms what it describes as the illegal suspension of the Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.
On Tuesday, the State House of Assembly suspended the LG Chairmen following the directive of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo.
But the opposition party in a statement signed by the Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi, described the action as unconstitutional, null and void.
“We want to clearly state that this action is unconstitutional, null, and void,” the statement read.
“The illegal suspension is a blatant disregard of the recent ruling of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, and the Supreme Court’s decision, in a suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, which affirmed the autonomy and independence of local governments as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“How can a governor direct the State Assembly to suspend democratically elected chairmen of the 18 local councils for insubordination when these elected officials enjoy autonomy and independence as enshrined in the Constitution and are not subordinates of the Governor, the State Assembly, or any other arm of government?
“We are also aware that the Chairmen and their vices weren’t even given the opportunity to be heard in their defence and were suspended unheard on watery trumped up charges, in total disregard to the Constitution.
“We want to restate that the Constitution remains supreme, and any attempt to undermine its provisions or disregard the judiciary and its rulings is not only illegal but also a direct attack on democracy and the rule of law.
“The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and the entire Assembly have clearly overstepped their constitutional mandates with this illegal action and we urge them to immediately reverse its decision, in respect to the rule of law and democratic governance.
“We therefore direct the council chairmen and their vice chairmen to report to their councils tomorrow to carry on with their normal duties.
“We also invite the Attorney General and minister of justice of the federation to call the Edo State Governor-select to order as his action is not only in breach of the constitution but a threat to security.”
