National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
Edo State has been embroiled in a heated controversy over the suspension of 18 local government council chairmen and their vice chairmen.
The crisis began when Governor Monday Okpebholo requested the suspension of the chairmen over alleged gross misconduct and insubordination.
However, the Edo State High Court II sitting in Benin City ordered that the status quo be maintained, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
Despite the court order, the state government has been exploring alternative means to impeach the chairmen and their vice chairmen.
The government’s actions have been met with resistance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), who have insisted that the rule of law and the constitution enable their members to retain their positions.
The situation took a new turn when two chairmen, Edosa Enowoghomenma of Ovia South West LGA and Dickson Ahonsi of Owan West, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with 13 councillors.
The PDP has accused the APC-led government of killing democracy in the state, while the APC has maintained that the government’s actions are necessary to maintain order and stability.
The state chairman of the PDP, Dr. Tony Azeigbemi, addressed a press conference, stating, “We are deeply worried that if urgent and decisive action is not taken to address this lawlessness and restore order within the system, we may witness an escalation that could result in crisis, anarchy, and chaos and which presents a clear and imminent danger of a breakdown of law and order in Edo State.”
In response, the Acting Chairman of the Edo State APC, Jarrett Tenebe, said, “For the record, the suspension of local government chairmen and vice chairmen by the House of Assembly was done to maintain order and stability in the State.
The government, opposition parties, and civil society organizations should work together to address any perceived grievances and ensure that the democratic process is upheld.”
