The Edo State House of Assembly, on Monday, suspended all 18 local government chairmen and their vice chairmen for two months.
The lawmakers further directed the leaders of the legislative arms in the councils to assume control of their administration during the suspension period.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion moved by Isibor Adeh, representing Esan Northeast 1 Constituency, and seconded by Donald Okogbe of Akoko-Edo 2 Constituency.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, in a petition dated November 16, 2024, titled “Insubordination and Gross Misconduct by the 18 Local Government Chairmen Over Their Refusal to Submit Financial Records for Scrutiny,” called on the Assembly to address the issue.
While moving the motion, Adeh cited Section 20(b) of the Local Government Act, which empowers the House of Assembly to suspend any local government chairman for two months pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct.
The motion was supported by 14 lawmakers, and opposed by six, while three members abstained from voting.
Speaker of Edo Assembly, Chief Blessing Agbebaku, who directed the Clerk of the House, Yahaya Omogbai, to do a head count of the members, declared that insubordination and gross misconduct would not be allowed from the council chiefs.
In a related development, the lawmakers also screened and confirmed four nominees as Chairman and members of the Edo State Sports Commission.
The commission to be chaired by Amadin Enabule, has Godwin Bazuaye, Frank Illaboya, and Anthony Odianosen as members.
[TheNation]