FROM FRIDAY UGBEHOR, BENIN
The war between the governor of Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo and the 18 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) elected local government area chairmen in the state took another twist on Thursday as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stepped in to summon the chairmen who were suspended on Tuesday by the state House of Assembly
The PDP dominated Edo Assembly had voted to suspend the local government area chairmen, following a petition by Governor Okpebholo, as the chairmen ignored an earlier 48 hours ultimatum by the governor to submit their financial statement to the state government
This is even as the 18 chairmen had unanimously rejected their two weeks suspension by the assembly, insisting that they were duly elected with a mandate to serve till 2025, when their mandate will elapse
But ina surprise development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) summoned the chairmen of all 18 local government areas in Edo State saying it was part of an ongoing investigation into financial practices.
EFCC in a letter with number, (CR:3000/EFCC/HQ/EGS 1/T.F/OBA/VOL.4/670) addressed to the Secretary to the State Government through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, explained the need for clarification on specific financial matters.
The letter, which was signed by Abdulkarim Chukkol, the EFCC’s Director of Investigation, directed the chairmen to appear at the Commission’s Benin Zonal Directorate.
The chairmen from Akoko-Edo, Egor, Esan Central, Esan North East, Esan South East, Esan West, Etsako Central, Etsako East, and Etsako West are scheduled to appear on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 10:00 am. Those from Igueben, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, Ovia North East, Ovia South West, Owan East, Owan West, and Uhunmwode are to follow on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the same time.
The summoned officials are required to bring Certified True Copies of documents related to staff strength, payroll, and financial accounts, including details of accounts used for receiving and reserving funds for staff salaries. They are also expected to provide account statements covering the period from January 1, 2024, to date, alongside any other relevant documents.
The anti graft agency emphasized that the summons is in line with Sections 38(1) and (2) of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004, and urged the chairmen to fully cooperate with the investigation. The move underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in financial operations at the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, the 18 local government chairmen had in ejecting their said suspension, insisted they cannot be removed from office.
The chairmen said at a press briefing in response to the suspension, that their removal was unlawful and violated court orders.
Chairman of the Edo State ALGON, and Newman Ugiagbe, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, emphasized that the chairmen, who were sworn into office on September 4, 2023, have a tenure that will end in 2025.
He argued that their suspension by the House of Assembly was unconstitutional and invalid.
The local government area chairmen cited a ruling by the Edo State High Court, which had previously ordered the state government and the House of Assembly not to dissolve the democratically elected council executives before the end of their three-year term.
They further noted that on December 17, 2024, the ALGON served a reminder to the Speaker of the House about another court case, B/3070s/2024, in which the High Court issued an interim order. This order restrained the defendants from interfering with the chairmen’s constitutional rights and from obstructing or disturbing the management of local government assets and funds allocated to them.
Ugiabe further cited a Supreme Court ruling in a case between the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Attorney-General of Abia State, which removed the authority of state governors and the House of Assembly to interfere in local government administration.
He said, “From the foregoing, the 18 Local government elected in the election of September 2, 2023, and sworn into office on September 4, 2024, remain the executive chairmen of our respective local government councils and we are going on with our constitutional responsibility as the chief executive officers of our councils.”
The chairmen therefore faulted the suspension by the Edo State House of Assembly on December 17, 2024, describing it as null and void because it had no legal basis and violated court orders, and called on security agencies and other government institutions responsible for maintaining law and order to protect the assets and buildings of the local government councils.
He requested that security personnel be deployed to all 18 local government secretariats to safeguard the Constitution of Nigeria, which he claimed was being obstructed by the actions of the Edo State House of Assembly.