The embattled 18 Local Government Area Chairmen in Edo State on Wednesday in Benin declared their suspension by the Edo State House of Assembly as null and void.
It would be recalled that Governor Monday Okpebholo had written to the House over the chairmen’s refusal to submit financial records to the Asset Verification Committee as directed.
Governor Okpebholo described their actions as gross misconduct and insubordination, urging the House to address the matter.
On December 17, the Edo State House of Assembly suspended the chairmen and their deputies over alleged insubordination and misconduct.
The Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Edo chapter and Chairman of Orhiomwon LG, Newman Ugiagbe, said the Assembly acted against a court ruling, adding that they would remain in office till September 2026.
Ugiagbe noted that the chairmen had taken the matter to court, where Justice Daniel Okungbowa ruled that the governor and Assembly lacked powers to suspend them.
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He said they reminded the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, of a court order restraining the government from interfering with their constitutional functions or council assets.
He disclosed that the court also barred the defendants from meddling in council administration or obstructing the chairmen from performing their lawful duties.
Ugiagbe emphasised that their tenure runs from September 2023 to September 2026, as stipulated by law.
He affirmed their commitment to fulfilling their constitutional roles, maintaining that no authority could prevent them from serving their councils.
The chairmen urged security agencies to protect council assets and ensure law and order in the 18 local government areas of the state.
On his part, the State Attorney General, Dr. Samson Osagie, said local governments democratic structures had not been altered by the Assembly.
According to Osagie: “What’s clear is that the House has exercised its powers in the constitution in pursuant to local government administration.
“The Chairmen better be advised that there is only one Chief Security Officer in the state, that is the governor.”
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