The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria has vehemently condemned the Edo State House of Assembly’s decision to suspend 18 local government chairmen.
In an emergency meeting held on Wednesday afternoon, the National Executive Council jointly denounced the move, which followed allegations by Governor Monday Okpebholo that the chairmen had defied his directives by failing to submit their financial records to the state government.
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The body said, “ALGON views this suspension as a setback for democracy and an abuse of power, particularly since the chairmen were not given a chance to defend themselves. The Association argues that the suspension is invalid, as it contradicts the Supreme Court’s judgment granting local governments autonomy.
“The Edo State House of Assembly’s decision has also been criticized by across the length and breadth of the country describing the action as unconstitutional, null, and void.”
ALGON further called on the governor and the state assembly to reconsider their decision and uphold the rule of law in order to reinforce democratic governance.