The Edo State House of Assembly has taken a significant step by approaching the state High Court to seek validation of its decision to suspend the 18 local government chairmen and their deputies. This move is aimed at clarifying the legitimacy of the Assembly’s actions and ensuring that they are in line with the relevant laws.
In a suit filed on January 28, 2025, the Assembly is urging the court to uphold its authority under Section 20(b) of the Edo State Local Government Law, 2000. This section, according to the Assembly, empowers the legislature to suspend any chairman or vice chairman of a local government council. The Assembly is seeking the court’s affirmation that its actions were lawful and justified.
The suspension of the local government chairmen and their deputies was initially announced on December 17, 2024, citing insubordination to Governor Monday Okpebholo. The decision was made following a petition from the governor, who accused the chairmen of disregarding his directive to submit their councils’ financial statements. However, the affected chairmen and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have challenged the suspension, arguing that the governor lacked the authority to demand such records.
The suit, filed by C. O. Edosa & Co., seeks judicial clarity on whether the Assembly’s actions were consistent with the law, particularly concerning local government autonomy. The key issues raised in the suit include whether the suspension of the chairmen and their deputies was lawful, whether the legislative arms of the councils were properly constituted, and whether the local government legislative councils have the authority to manage and control council affairs and funds in the absence of a chairman and vice chairman.
The Assembly is seeking a declaration from the court that its actions did not dismantle the democratic structure of local government councils and that governance at the local level remains intact. Additionally, the Assembly is seeking confirmation that the leaders of the legislative arms of the local councils are duly elected officials. This clarification is crucial in ensuring that the local government system in Edo State operates in accordance with the law.
The defendants in the suit have been directed to appear in court within 42 days of being served. Failure to do so may result in the court proceeding with the case and issuing orders as deemed necessary. As the legal battle over local government administration in Edo State continues, stakeholders await the court’s ruling, which will have significant implications for the future of local governance in the state.
Source: https://reportafrique.com/
