The Edo State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday strongly condemned the suspension of chairpersons of 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state by the Edo State House of Assembly, allegedly on the instructions of Governor Okpeboro.
Naija News had earlier reported that the House of Representatives suspended the parliamentary leadership in its plenary session on Tuesday.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of Edo PDP, Dr. Anthony Ajigbemi, the party said the action was unconstitutional and void.
The PDP argued that the suspension was a clear violation of the Federal Constitution of Nigeria and ignored the recent judgment by the Chief Justice of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okunbowa, as well as the Supreme Court judgment affirming the state’s autonomy and independence. . Local government.
“When the 18 democratically elected presidents of local councils enjoy the autonomy and independence enshrined in the constitution and are not subordinate to the governor, the state legislature, or any other body, how can the governor? “Can we direct the state assembly to suspend the 18 democratically elected chairpersons of local councils for insubordination?” asked Dr Ajigbemi.
He stressed that local officials are not subordinate to the governor, the state Legislature, or any other government agency.
PDP further criticized the process leading to the suspension, noting that the council president and his members were not given an opportunity to defend themselves before being sanctioned.
The party said the charges against the officials were “trumped up and baseless” and condemned the decision as a gross disregard for the principles of justice, fairness and the rule of law.
The statement continued: “In complete disregard of the Constitution, the Speaker and his unscrupulous agents were suspended without even an opportunity to defend themselves and without a hearing on trumped-up charges. We are aware of it.”
“We believe that the Constitution remains supreme and that any attempt to undermine its provisions or to disregard the judiciary and its decisions is not only illegal, but a direct threat to democracy and the rule of law. I would like to emphasize again that this is an attack.
“The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and the entire House of Assembly clearly breaches its constitutional obligations by this illegal act and calls on them to immediately rescind their decision in terms of the rule of law and democratic governance.
“We therefore direct the Council Chair and Deputy Chair to report to Council tomorrow and carry out their normal duties.
“We also call on the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice to seek an order against the elected governor of Edo State as his actions are not only unconstitutional but also a threat to security. .”
