Our reporter
The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order directing all parties involved in the on-going suspension saga of 18 local government Chairmen in Edo State to maintain the status quo.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, comes amid legal challenges to the decision by the Edo State House of Assembly and Governor Monday Okpebholo to suspend the Chairmen.
The directive was made on Monday after Anderson Asemota, counsel for the suspended Chairmen, filed an ex-parte motion. Asemota argued that the suspension violated a July 2024 Supreme Court judgment, which declared that governors lacked the constitutional authority to suspend elected local government officials.
The case arose from a dispute between the chairmen and the governor over the management of a joint account, which the plaintiffs contend contravenes the Supreme Court’s ruling. Asemota maintained that his clients were seeking legal intervention to resolve the matter rather than resorting to unilateral actions.
“The suspension order was issued on December 17, 2024,” Asemota told the court. “We are seeking to preserve the situation as it was on December 15, 2024, in line with the Supreme Court’s decision and to ensure due process is followed.”
The motion submitted by the chairmen, supported by evidence including court orders and public statements from the Attorney-General of the Federation, also called for an injunction to prevent the governor and the Assembly from enforcing the suspension.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite underscored the need for caution in granting such reliefs, stating: “I hereby order all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.” The court further adjourned the matter to January 20, 2025, for the hearing of the case.
The legal challenge, filed by the chairmen and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), names several defendants, including the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Assembly itself, Governor Okpebholo, and the Edo State Government. Also listed are the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Inspector-General of Police.
The plaintiffs seek interim orders to restrain the Assembly, governor, and other officials from implementing the suspension resolution until the case is resolved. They argue that the suspension undermines democratic principles and breaches constitutional provisions.
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