The Gidigba Group, a prominent socio-political organization, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct the Inspector-General of Police to uphold the recent ruling regarding local government autonomy in Edo State.
The statement, issued by the group’s convener, Solomon Idugboe, was distributed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Benin City.
This demand arises following the Edo State House of Assembly’s recent suspension of local government chairpersons and their deputies. Idugboe underscored the urgency of reinstating the democratically elected officials, asserting that any further postponement of action from the federal government could precipitate turmoil within the state.
“The elected council chairmen should be allowed to return to duty,” he declared, emphasizing the necessity of a robust and autonomous local government system for grassroots development.
Idugboe highlighted that the Edo State government’s actions undermine this essential democratic principle. He noted various interventions, including a warning from the Attorney General of the Federation, which stated that state governors do not possess the authority to interfere with local government operations. Despite these statements, Idugboe criticized the state government’s ongoing resistance and mentioned reports of thugs, purportedly connected to the governor, executing unlawful impeachments.
“Despite the clear statement from the AGF, the government has resisted implementing the ruling, which has sparked tensions,” he remarked.
Idugboe expressed hope that federal backing could empower the Inspector-General of Police to ensure a secure environment for the council chairpersons to resume their roles. He stated that such action would help restore the rule of law and facilitate the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s decision on local government autonomy.
