In Edo State, a brewing political storm is unfolding as Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) go head-to-head over the suspension of 18 local government chairmen and their deputies.
The suspension, which was initiated by the state government, has sparked fierce opposition and legal battles, leading to a significant political showdown.
The conflict stems from Governor Okpebholo’s call for the suspension of the local government chairmen, accusing them of gross misconduct and insubordination.
This move would have led to the appointment of new council leaders, many of whom were expected to be from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the situation took a dramatic turn after the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, stepped in, clarifying that the suspensions could not proceed without legal justification.
The court ruling in favor of the suspended chairmen added fuel to the fire, as the Edo State High Court issued an order to maintain the status quo, preventing the suspension from taking effect.
This ruling has temporarily halted the planned shake-up in local government leadership, causing political leaders to reassess their next steps.
Despite the court’s intervention, the battle for control of the councils continues. The PDP has been vocal in its opposition, accusing the APC-led state government of undermining democracy and abusing power.
Dr. Tony Azeigbemi, the PDP chairman in Edo, warned that the ongoing situation could lead to chaos if not addressed promptly.
He criticized the governor for allegedly using extra-legal methods, including non-state actors, to prevent the chairmen from resuming office despite the court’s orders.
In response, the APC has defended the governor’s actions, claiming that the suspension was necessary to restore order and maintain stability in the state.
Jarrett Tenebe, the Acting Chairman of the Edo State APC, dismissed the PDP’s accusations as baseless and argued that the governor’s actions were in line with state laws designed to ensure good governance.
Adding to the political turmoil, some council chairmen, including those from Ovia South West and Owan West, have defected to the APC, further complicating the already tense situation.
This has led to concerns over the possible erosion of the PDP’s influence in local governance.
With the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government financial autonomy still fresh in public memory, all eyes are on the ongoing legal and political developments in Edo.
As the case continues to unfold, the people of Edo state are left grappling with the implications of these political maneuvers, which may ultimately reshape the state’s governance landscape.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for January 17, 2025, and it remains to be seen whether the judicial outcome will bring an end to the growing political crisis in Edo State.
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