The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has strongly criticized the suspension of the 18 local government chairmen and their deputies by the state House of Assembly. The party’s caretaker chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, expressed disapproval of the suspension, stating that the chairmen and deputies were not given a chance to defend themselves, rendering the suspension unconstitutional.
The party highlighted that the action taken by the state House of Assembly, following the governor’s directive, was in violation of the autonomy and independence of local governments as guaranteed by the Constitution. They emphasized that the chairmen and vice-chairmen were suspended without a fair hearing, which goes against the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
The party called for the immediate reversal of the decision, urging the Assembly to respect the rule of law and democratic governance. The resolution passed by the state House of Assembly mandated the legislative leaders to assume control of the local councils for two months.