Thursday, December 19, 2024 - The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, has criticized the Edo State House of Assembly for its recent suspension of 18 local government chairmen across the state.
In a statement made available on
Thursday, ALGON’s National Executive Council, NEC, and Board of Trustees, BOT,
condemned the decision, labeling it as a grave affront to democracy and
constitutional order.
The suspensions followed accusations by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who
claimed the chairmen disobeyed his directives by failing to submit financial
records to the state government.
Signed by ALGON’s National Publicity Secretary, Hamisu M. Anani, the
association expressed deep concern over what it described as a “setback for
democracy and an abuse of power.”
ALGON emphasized that the chairmen were not afforded the opportunity to
defend themselves and asserted that the suspension contravened a Supreme Court
ruling that guarantees the autonomy of local governments.
“This action by the Edo State House of Assembly is unconstitutional,
null, and void.
“ALGON urges the governor and the state assembly to reverse their
decision and uphold the rule of law to strengthen democratic governance,” the
statement read.
ALGON also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to as a matter of
urgency intervene in the crisis, urging him to protect the independence of
local governments and prevent further erosion of democratic values in the
state.
“President Tinubu’s immediate intervention is essential to halt this
abuse of power,” the statement concluded.
0 Comments