Our reporter
The political crisis rocking Edo State’s local government councils has taken a dramatic turn, with allegations of violence, illegal impeachments, and power struggles dominating the narrative.
On Thursday, reports emerged of gunmen storming the Uhunmwode Local Government Council headquarters in Egor, leaving several individuals injured. Kenneth Adodo, the council chairman, accused the assailants of being policemen linked to the Edo State Government House.
The unrest comes amid a wave of impeachments targeting local government chairmen, with councillors in Uhunmwode and Orhionmwon councils ousting their respective leaders. Meanwhile, Prince Aminu Okodo-Kadiri, the Chairman of Owan East Council, strongly contested his own impeachment, calling it unconstitutional and riddled with irregularities.
Speaking to journalists in Benin City, Okodo-Kadiri referenced the Edo State Local Government Law of 2000 (amended in 2002), asserting that the councillors had failed to adhere to due process. He alleged that a fake mace was used during the proceedings and highlighted the participation of suspended councillors, which he argued invalidated the impeachment process.
He further dismissed allegations by Governor Monday Okpebholo that council chairmen had embezzled ₦50 million in salary funds. “These claims are baseless,” he said. “Salaries have been paid up to November, and our financial records are transparent. Where is the evidence of misappropriation?”
The drama in Orhionmwon has been equally contentious. Councillors reportedly impeached House Leader Hon Daniel Osariemen, replacing him with Hon Chuks Isan amidst allegations of a plot to unseat the council chairman, Newman Ugiagbe.
Osariemen, however, retaliated by occupying the council secretariat in Abudu and declaring himself acting chairman—a move branded illegal by Ugiagbe’s camp.
Adding to the chaos, the Edo State House of Assembly recently suspended all Chairmen and vice chairmen of the State’s 18 local government councils. This followed accusations of insubordination and failure to submit financial records to the state government.
The Assembly’s resolution, passed by a majority vote, directed legislative leaders to assume leadership roles in their respective councils.
With legal battles looming and tensions escalating, the situation in Edo State’s local councils highlights the deepening fractures in governance and the struggle for control. Observers are closely watching the developments, which could have significant implications for the state’s political stability.
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