By DADA AYOKHAI
The Edo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is determined to ensure the reinstatement of the council chairmen who were abruptly removed from office by the administration of Senator Monday Okpevbolo.
In light of this, the party’s leadership has instructed the council chairmen to return immediately to their respective councils, following a court judgment that declared their ouster and suspension illegal.
This directive was one of the resolutions reached during an emergency meeting of party stakeholders, chaired by the state chairman, Hon. Tony Aziegbemi.
In a press statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Hon. Chris Osa Nehikhare, it was stated that the party’s position for the council chairmen to resume their offices is a direct result of the court ruling, which deemed the government’s actions “illegal.”
The meeting, convened by the PDP Caretaker Committee, included all the council chairmen currently facing challenges, as well as party leaders and other key stakeholders.
Among the issues discussed were the challenges the party is confronting due to the change in leadership within the state.
The meeting resulted in several significant resolutions aimed at strengthening the party against potential attacks from the APC-controlled state government.
Additionally, the gathering addressed the conflict between the councils and the state government, criticizing attempts to control the councils’ financial administration as undemocratic and contrary to the principles of local government autonomy and the separation of powers among government tiers.
Expressing their discontent with the undue interference in council affairs, the PDP urged the chairmen to return to their councils and continue serving their constituents, emphasizing that the mandate given to them is “sacred and sacrosanct.”
The party also cautioned some of its legislative leaders whom it claimed were being “romanced” by the Edo APC administration against compromising their integrity while emphasizing the need for vigilance, as the state government is desperate to seize power and may resort to any means necessary, even if it disrupts the system.
Additionally, the party stated that it is prepared to take legal action against anyone, including Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) and Treasurers, who tamper with council funds without the authorization of the council chairmen.
The party also expressed its intention to support the council chairmen in collaboration with their umbrella union, ALGON, by sending a strong letter to the state assembly demanding the immediate implementation of the existing court order related to the suspension of the council chairmen.
Furthermore, the party condemned the ongoing intimidation and blackmail of the suspended council chairmen, labelling these tactics as deceptive.
It argued that such actions are intended to coerce council leaders into endorsing illegal activities that would facilitate the looting of council funds.
