The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State chapter, has called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and traditional institutions to intervene and prevent a political crisis in the state over the suspension of elected local government council chairmen.
Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, the chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo, made the appeal in a press briefing, warning that the ongoing actions by the Edo State Government could escalate into chaos if not addressed. The suspension of the 18 local government chairmen, carried out by the Edo State House of Assembly following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive, was done without legal grounds, Aziegbemi emphasized.
The PDP highlighted that the suspension was carried out despite a court ruling by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, which declared the action unconstitutional. The suspension was based on allegations of gross misconduct and insubordination but was carried out without a fair hearing and ignored judicial orders, according to the PDP.
Furthermore, the PDP accused the state government of disregarding the advice from the Attorney General of the Federation and the legal advice from the Supreme Court regarding the dissolution of local government councils. Despite the ruling, the Edo State Government has continued to enforce the suspension with the help of non-state actors, the party said.
Aziegbemi also raised concerns about unauthorized attempts to change the signatories to local government accounts and withdrawal of funds without proper mandates, warning that banks involved in these illegal activities would face legal consequences.
The PDP called on President Tinubu and relevant authorities to ensure that the Edo State Government complies with the law and restores constitutional democracy in the state.