PDP also argued that LG Chairmen are not subordinates of the governor, the State Assembly, or any other arm of government
By Kehinde Okeowo
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday said the suspension of its chairmen in the 18 local governments of Edo State by the House of Assembly cannot stand.
The main opposition party made its position known in a statement issued by its Edo State Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi in Benin, the state capital.
The party described the decision of the state legislators as unconstitutional, null and void.
It also explained that the suspension disregarded the recent ruling of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.
It added that the suspension was a blatant violation of the Supreme Court’s decision, which affirmed the autonomy and independence of local governments, as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Aziegbemi said, “How can a governor direct the State Assembly to suspend democratically elected chairmen of the 18 local councils for insubordination when these officials enjoy autonomy and independence as enshrined in the Constitution”.
Prior to this development, many media outlets had reported that the Edo State House of Assembly suspended all the elected 18 Local government chairmen and Vice chairmen for alleged insubordination and gross misconduct.
The PDP, however, argued that the Chairmen of local council chairmen are not subordinates of the governor, the State Assembly, or any other arm of government.
The party expressed concern over the complete disregard for the Constitution and the judiciary’s rulings.
“We are also aware that the Chairmen and their vice chairmen were not given the opportunity to defend themselves.
”They were suspended unheard, based on watery, trumped-up charges,” the statement further said.
Aziegbemi stressed that such actions were not only illegal but also a direct assault on democracy and the rule of law.
He further added that the Speaker and the entire Edo House of Assembly had clearly exceeded their constitutional mandates by carrying out the illegal action.
He urged the Assembly to immediately reverse its decision in respect for the rule of law and the principles of democratic governance, while
emphasizing that adherence to the Constitution was non-negotiable.
He also called on the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation to intervene, stating that the state government actions constituted a breach of the Constitution and a threat to security.