Edo State PDP Accuses Governor of Refusing to Comply with Court Judgments on Local Government Chairmen

Strategic Insights -

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denounced Governor Monday Okpebholo's refusal to comply with court judgments reinstating Local Government Chairmen across the state. Speaking at a press conference in Benin City, the PDP described the governor's actions as 'flagrant lawlessness' and 'a direct assault on the judiciary.' The crisis stems from the Edo State House of Assembly's attempt to remove elected local government officials, despite a Supreme Court judgment affirming local government autonomy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Edo State PDP has accused Governor Okpebholo of emboldening impunity and treating judicial authority with contempt.
  • Two High Court rulings have declared the suspensions and impeachments of council chairmen illegal, null, and void.
  • Justice B.A. Okoh has ordered the reinstatement of Hon. Tajudeen Alade, Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government, and directed the Inspector General of Police to provide security for him to resume duties.
  • Justice O.M. Obayuwana of the Edo State High Court has ruled that the impeachment of Hon. Zibiri Marvelous and Hon. Benji Ojietu was unconstitutional and violated Section 19 of the Edo State Local Government Law.
  • The court has awarded ₦1 million in costs against the councilors responsible for the impeachment.
  • The PDP has warned that unless the government halts its unconstitutional actions and reinstates all affected chairmen, the state risks descending further into administrative chaos and grassroots paralysis.
  • Senator Okpebholo's declaration by INEC as the winner of the September 21st Edo Governorship election is currently being challenged by PDP governorship candidate Dr. Asue Ighodalo at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

Statistics:

  • ₦1 million: the amount awarded in costs against the councilors responsible for the impeachment.
  • 2: the number of High Court rulings delivered, both of which declared the suspensions and impeachments of council chairmen illegal, null, and void.

Sources:

  • The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
  • Justice B.A. Okoh of the High Court
  • Justice O.M. Obayuwana of the Edo State High Court