From Staff Writer
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has issued a stern call to Governor Monday Okpebholo and his administration, urging immediate compliance with a series of court rulings that have ordered the reinstatement of elected Local Government Chairmen and their deputies.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo State, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, accused the state government of engaging in “brazen illegality” and demonstrating “a dangerous disregard for the rule of law.”
Dr Aziegbemi described the dismissal of the council executives as “a disturbing assault on grassroots governance,” noting that the PDP had raised concerns from the outset of what he termed “an unprecedented onslaught” against democratically elected officials.
He lauded the judiciary for what he described as “landmark rulings” aimed at restoring the integrity of local governance. Citing the case of Hon Tajudeen Alade, Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government, Aziegbemi highlighted a ruling by Justice B.A. Okoh, who found that Alade had been removed without adherence to due process. The judge not only nullified the removal but also ordered the Inspector General of Police to ensure Alade’s immediate return to office with full protection.
Similarly, the PDP leader pointed to another judgment delivered by Justice O.M. Obayuwana, which declared the impeachment of Hon Zibiri Marvelous and Hon Benji Ojietu of Etsako West Local Government as null and void. The judge cited procedural breaches and directed their immediate reinstatement, awarding one million naira in damages against each councillor involved in the impeachment process.
“This is not just a legal victory—it is a moral one,” Aziegbemi asserted. “It underscores the lawless disposition of the Okpebholo-led administration and the need to respect democratic institutions.”
He warned that more court victories were likely to follow in other local councils, calling on the government to end what the party characterised as a pattern of “blatant illegality.”
“The collapse of local governance has fuelled insecurity and deepened poverty in our communities,” Aziegbemi said. “Reinstating the rightful officials is essential for restoring stability at the grassroots.”
The PDP also dismissed recent claims by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that 17 PDP council chairmen had defected to the ruling party. Aziegbemi challenged the APC to name even one defector, describing the allegation as a fabrication aimed at misleading the public.
In a separate development, Aziegbemi commended Hon Maria Edeko for her recent resignation as Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, hailing her as “a beacon of integrity in a political climate where principle is rare.”
“She stood for what is right and will be remembered for her courage,” he said.
Concluding the briefing, Aziegbemi reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to reclaiming its “stolen mandate” from the September 2024 governorship election, vowing to exhaust all legal avenues to ensure justice for the people of Edo State.
“We remain steadfast and united,” he declared. “The will of the people will not be silenced.”
