Edo PDP Urges State Government to Reinstatute Lawfully Elected Local Government Chairmen

The Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concern over the illegal removal of locally elected officials, undermining grassroots governance in the state. Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo, made a press conference appeal on Wednesday, citing several high court judgments that have affirmed the rights of unlawfully removed council chairmen. Despite court orders, some officials remain prevented from returning to office, sparking warnings of further court reversals.

Key Takeaways:

• The Edo PDP has urged the state government to obey court rulings reinstating lawfully elected local government chairmen, citing several high court judgments.
• Despite court orders, officials like Mr. Tajudeen Alade and Zibiri Marvelous have been prevented from returning to office, violating their rights under Section 19 of the Edo State Local Government Law.
• The PDP leader linked the collapse of effective governance at the local government level to the worsening insecurity and poverty in Edo State, calling for immediate restoration of all elected council chairmen.
• Dr. Aziegbemi praised Mrs. Maria Oligbi-Edeko for her resignation as Deputy Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, highlighting her integrity and courage in a challenging political environment.
• The PDP reaffirmed its unity and determination to reclaim its stolen mandate from the September 2024 governorship election through lawful means.

Statistics:

• Several high court judgments have now affirmed the rights of council chairmen who were unlawfully removed.
• Mr. Tajudeen Alade has been prevented from returning to office despite his court-ordered reinstatement.
• Justice O.M. Obayuwana recently reinstated Etsako West Chairman Zibiri Marvelous and Vice Chairman Benji Ojietu via a court ruling.

Sources:

• Guardian Newspaper (date)
• Vanguard Newspaper (date)