The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly opposed the suspension of all 18 local government chairmen and their deputies in Edo State. The suspension, which was approved by the Edo State House of Assembly, has sparked controversy, with the PDP labeling it as unconstitutional.

The suspension followed a petition from Governor Monday Okpebholo, who accused the council chairmen of insubordination and misconduct. According to the governor, the chairmen had refused to submit their financial records to the state government. A motion to suspend the chairmen was moved by Esan North East 1 representative, Isibor Adeh, and seconded by Akoko-Edo 2 representative, Donald Okogbe.

During a debate in the House, 14 lawmakers supported the motion, six opposed it, and three remained neutral. The Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, ensured that every member spoke on the issue before calling for a vote. Once the motion passed, the legislative arms of the councils were directed to take over leadership temporarily.

However, the PDP has criticized this decision. In a statement, Edo PDP Caretaker Chairman Tony Aziegbemi argued that the council chairmen were not given a chance to defend themselves. He also stated that the governor does not have the authority to demand financial statements from local governments, citing a Supreme Court ruling that grants local councils autonomy.

“The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party condemns in the strongest terms the illegal suspension of the Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State by the Edo State House of Assembly, following the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

“We want to clearly state that this action is unconstitutional, null, and void.

“The illegal suspension is a blatant disregard for 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.”

Meanwhile, a council chairman, who spoke anonymously, hinted that the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Edo State would issue an official response soon.

“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, with respect to the rule of law and democratic governance.”

The suspension has raised questions about the autonomy of local governments and the legality of the Assembly’s actions, sparking a wider debate on governance and accountability in Edo State.

He said, “We got the notice of the suspension but I cannot speak on the matter as I am not the  ALGON Chairman of the state.

“However, we will make our position known in the coming days.”