House of Assembly Suspends 18 LG Chairmen, Vice Chairmen For Two Months Following Allegations of Insubordination to Governor

Israel Adeleke

In a shocking turn of an event, the Edo State House of Assembly has suspended the chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local government councils for two months, following allegations of insubordination to Governor Monday Okpebholo.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the directive was issued during a meeting with the council chairmen at the Government House in Benin City, where Governor Okpebholo was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa.

OTN News further reports that the suspension followed a petition from the governor, accusing the council leaders of refusing to submit their financial records to the state government.

According to the governor's rep, the governor described the chairmen’s actions as acts of insubordination and gross misconduct, prompting his request for the Assembly to address the matter.

OTN News recalls that the governor had previously issued a directive on Tuesday, 3 December, for the council chairmen to submit their financial statements for the period from 4 September 2023 to the present within 48 hours.

However, the petition stated that non of the local government council chairmen paid a keen hear to the directive.

Furthermore, when the issue was raised for debate, Mr. Isibor Adeh, representing Esan North East 1, moved the motion for the suspension, which was seconded by Mr. Donald Okogbe, representing Akoko-Edo 2.

The Speaker of the House, Mr. Blessing Agbebaku, insisted that all members contribute their views before proceeding.

Following the debate, the Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Mr. Yahaya Omogbai, to conduct a headcount to determine the support or opposition to the suspension.

Fourteen members voted in favour of the suspension, six opposed it, and three members refrained from voting.

As part of the suspension, the House has however, mandated the leaders of the legislative arms to take over the leadership of their respective councils.

This was to be done through the Assets Verification Committee, under the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).