The Edo State House of Assembly has taken a drastic step by suspending all 18 local government council chairmen in the state over allegations of insubordination and gross misconduct. The Assembly further directed that leaders of the legislature in the respective local governments oversee the councils’ operations for the next two months.
The Trigger: Governor’s Petition Against LG Chairmen
The decision followed a petition submitted by Governor Monday Okpebholo, in which he accused the chairmen of refusing to submit their financial accounts to the state government. Describing their actions as both insubordination and misconduct, the governor urged the House to intervene promptly.
Governor Okpebholo’s petition is not without context. On December 3, 2024, he issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the council chairmen to submit their statements of accounts, spanning from September 4, 2023, to date. These statements, he insisted, were crucial for the state’s Assets Verification Committee to operate efficiently.
Assembly Proceedings: A Divided House?
The motion for suspension was spearheaded by Mr. Isibor Addeh, an APC member representing Esan North-East I, and was seconded by Donald Okogbe of the PDP, representing Akoko-Edo II.
However, the decision did not pass without opposition.
Out of the 24-member Assembly largely dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 14 members voted in favor of the suspension, six opposed, and three abstained.
Timing and Political Context: Coincidence or Strategy?
It is notable that the suspended local government executives and councillors were elected just over a year ago, on September 2, 2023, under the guidance of former Governor Obaseki. Their removal backed by the House’s swift suspension leaves room for speculation. Is this part of a larger political realignment, or are there genuine concerns over mismanagement?
Power Play or Genuine Accountability?
The Edo Assembly’s move to hand temporary oversight to local legislative leaders adds another layer of complexity. While proponents argue that the suspension upholds accountability, critics may perceive it as a veiled power grab or political maneuver.
The Assembly’s PDP-dominated composition also raises suspicions. Could this be an attempt to consolidate political control in the state considering how contentious the past election was?
The Bottom Line: Accountability or Suspicion of Bias?
While the suspension of all 18 local government chairmen sends a strong signal on financial accountability, the political undercurrents cannot be ignored. Whether this decision stems from genuine concerns over misconduct or political strategy remains to be seen.
In a divided Assembly and a politically charged state, this move will undoubtedly fuel debates about governance, accountability, and power dynamics in Edo State.
