The Edo State House of Assembly has suspended the chairmen and vice chairmen of the state's 18 local government councils for two months. This was sequel to a motion by Isibor Adeh and seconded by Donald Okogbe.
This followed an earlier complaint to the House by Governor Monday Okpebholo that the chairmen refused to submit their financial records. He termed their action insubordination and gross misconduct.
At the debate, 14 members voted for suspension, six voted against and three abstained. The Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, allowed all members to have their say before the vote. The Clerk of the House, Yahaya Omogbai, counted the votes.
The opposition, Peoples Democratic Party, however, condemned the suspension. PDP Caretaker Chairman Tony Aziegbemi said the chairmen were not given the opportunity for self-defence, and that the suspension was unconstitutional.
The PDP held that the governor does not have the power to request financial statements from the LGs, citing a Supreme Court ruling that grants autonomy to LGs. They urged the Assembly to reverse its decision.
The state Association of Local Government of Nigeria, an anonymous LG chairman promised, would reply soon.
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