Politics
Edo Assembly Drags LG Chairmen To Court, Seeks LG Law Interpretation
The Edo State House of Assembly has dragged the 18 local government councils chairmen in the state, seeking the interpretation of Section 20 of Local Government Law, 2000 as amended
The suit instituted by the state assembly through its counsel, C.O. Edosa of C.O. Edosa and Co, has the 18 local chairmen, Governor Monday Okpebholo and three others as defendants
Similarly, the Speaker of the assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, was listed as claimants alongside councilors from the 18 council areas of the state.
In the suit marked B/34/2025, dated January 28, 2025 and filed at the state High Court, the legislature listed four issues for determination and also sought nine reliefs.
The claimants seek to know whether having regard to the provisions of Section 20 (b) of the local government law, 2000, the assembly does not have the power to suspend a chairman and/or the vice chairman of a local government council in Edo State.
They also want the court to determine if the assembly breached section 20(b) of the law or by suspending the chairmen, it obliterated the existence of the democratic structure of local government councils in Edo State.
To also seek to determine whether by the combined reading of the provisions of Sections 11 (3) and Section 14 of the law, the leaders of the legislative arms of the councils were not democratically elected members of the council.
If the legislative arms are not entitled, in the absence of the chairman and vice chairman, to act on behalf of the Council particularly with regards to the administration, management and/or control of the affairs of the local government council and all the funds due to the local government Council.”
In a similar manner, the claimants sought a declaration if, by its action, the legislature has not in any way obliterated the existence of the democratic structure of councils, therefore, the democratic system of local government council, its structure, administration and governance is still intact and in place.
They further seek “A declaration that by virtue of the provisions of Section 20 (b) of the Local government Law, 2000, Edo State, the 1st Claimant (Edo State House Of assembly) has the power to suspend a chairman and/or vice chairman of local government council in Edo State.
“A declaration that by the combined reading of the provisions of Sections 11(3) and Section 14 of the Local Government Law, 2000, Edo State, the 3rd- 19th claimants (Leader (s) of the Legislative Arms of the local government councils in Edo State) are democratically elected members of the local government council.”
In the summons, the defendants are to enter appearance personally or through their counsels within 42 days of being served.
“If the defendants do not enter appearance within the time and at the place above mentioned such order(s) will be made and proceedings may be taken as the judge may think just and expedient,” it stated.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.