KEY POINTS

• PDP criticizes Okpebholo for the unconstitutional removal of the local government chairman and others.
• The party accuses the governor of misusing N30 billion in council funds.
• Governor defends actions, calling PDP’s claims false and misleading.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has condemned the recent removal of local government chairmen and vice chairmen, claiming that the action was unconstitutional and orchestrated by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

During a press conference on Monday, PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman Dr. Tony Aziegbemi accused the governor of violating both the 1999 constitution and a Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy.

He stated that Okpebholo’s actions had undermined the democratically elected chairmen and breached the principles of local governance.

Aziegbemi explained that despite the governor’s efforts to remove the chairmen through unlawful means, he resorted to manipulating councilors to force impeachment decisions.

According to Aziegbemi, these impeachments were done without following proper procedures, and many councilors, especially in Oredo, denied participating in the process.

“Their removal should not have been a joint issue since the chairmen and their vice chairmen ran on a joint ticket,” Aziegbemi added.

PDP claims corruption in local government funding

The PDP also accused Okpebholo of corruption, claiming that over N30 billion allocated to the local councils was being misused.

According to the party, this money was being distributed to party members, bypassing proper budgeting processes.

Aziegbemi argued that the suspension of the elected officials has disrupted governance, leaving local councils paralyzed.

He claimed that any attempt by chairmen to resume work was met with violence and intimidation by thugs hired by the state government.

“The salaries of democratically elected officials have been stopped, while loyal councilors are selectively paid,” Aziegbemi alleged.

He further urged the Edo State House of Assembly to reinstate the suspended chairmen to restore governance at the grassroots level and fulfill their constitutional duties.

Okpebholo defends actions, calls accusations false

In response, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu, denied the allegations.

He argued that the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy did not invalidate the Edo State Local Government Law 2000.

Ohonbamu claimed that Okpebholo did not directly suspend the chairmen but reported the situation to the State House of Assembly, which followed proper procedures in removing them.

According to Vanguard, he also denied any financial mismanagement, stating that council staff were being paid their salaries regularly.

“The accusations of corruption are baseless,” Ohonbamu said, adding that the PDP was simply spreading misinformation to further their political agenda.

The battle over local government control in Edo State continues to intensify, with both sides accusing the other of misusing power.