The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong call to the state government, urging compliance with recent court rulings that have ordered the reinstatement of elected local government chairmen who were removed from office. Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee, made the appeal at a press conference held in Benin City on Wednesday.
Aziegbemi emphasized the detrimental impact the removal of these chairmen has had on governance at the grassroots level, leading to a collapse of essential services and leadership within communities. He cited the reinstated Akoko-Edo chairman, Mr. Tajudeen Alade, as an example, noting the court’s finding that his removal violated section 19 of the Edo State Local Government Law and lacked due process, specifically failing to grant him a fair hearing. The court subsequently nullified his removal and ordered his immediate reinstatement.
Similar judgments, Aziegbemi highlighted, were delivered in favor of Etsako West Chairman Zibiri Marvelous and Vice Chairman Benji Ojietu last week by Justice O.M. Obayuwana, declaring their impeachment proceedings null and void due to non-compliance with Section 19 of the Edo Local Government Law, 2000.
“We commend the judiciary for upholding constitutional principles. It is time the Edo government stopped violating the law and respect court decisions,” Aziegbemi stated, urging the government to permit the reinstated chairmen to resume their official duties. He further asserted that the unjust removals of other elected officials would inevitably be reversed by the courts.
Aziegbemi warned that the state government’s adherence to constitutional provisions and the functioning of local councils were crucial. He directly linked the rising insecurity and poverty in Edo State to the collapse of local government governance, arguing that this vital tier, closest to the people, had been effectively stifled. He called for the immediate restoration of all elected chairmen to restore effective governance and deliver development at the community level.
Beyond the issue of local government chairmen, the PDP also commended Mrs. Maria Oligbi-Edeko’s recent resignation from her position as Deputy Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly. Aziegbemi lauded her integrity, highlighting her decision as a testament to principle over personal gain.
Concluding his address, Aziegbemi reaffirmed the PDP’s unity and its commitment to utilizing legal avenues to reclaim what it considers its “stolen mandate” from the September 2024 governorship election.
