By Kingston Magare
The 18 Local Government Area chairmen suspended by the Edo State House of Assembly at the prompting of governor Monday Okpebholo have vowed to resist the move they described as unconstitutional and interference in the local government affairs.
This is just as former governor of the State Godwin Obaseki alleged that sacked the chairmen of the LGAs was for his successor to have access to and squander the N800 million monthly special security funds, the environmental funds, and other funds in the local governments’ accounts.
Speaking through his media adviser Crusoe Osagie, former governor Obaseki claimed that the House of Assembly members were arm-twisted to carry out the assignment after the LGA chairmen were instructed to render their statement of accounts from September to November 2024 within 48 hours.
He added that Okpebholo was desperate for funds after the State revenue plunged from N8 billion monthly to N2 billion as thugs hired by Okpebholo during the election last September have been embroiled in a fierce battle for control of the various revenue points in the State.
“This culminated in Tuesday’s sitting, where the 18 council chairmen were illegally suspended, paving the way for the governor to access and squander the N800 million monthly special security funds, environmental funds, and other monies in the local governments’ accounts.
“We want to restate that the suspension is unconstitutional, null, and void. It is a blatant affront to the recent ruling by 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 unequivocally affirmed the autonomy and independence of local governments,” said the statement signed by Mr. Osagie on behalf of the former governor.
Speaking on behalf of the LGA chairmen Newman Ugiagbe of Orhiomwon LG, said the state Assembly acted in contempt of court, adding that he and his colleagues would continue to carry out their lawful duties until the expiration of their tenure in September 2026.
“We remain the executive Chairmen of our respective Local Government Councils, and we are going on with our constitutional responsibility as the chief executive officers of our Councils. As law-abiding chairmen, the people of our respective councils gave us our mandate till 2026; no one can stop us from carrying out our lawful duties,” he said.
