The Edo State High Court in Auchi has declared the suspension and removal of the Chairman, Hon. Zibiri Marvelous, and Vice Chairman, Hon. Benji Ojietu, of Etsako West Local Government Area as invalid.
This ruling comes three weeks after a similar judgment in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, which reinstated a previously impeached chairman.
In his judgment, Justice O.M. Obayuwana stated that the impeachment proceedings against Marvelous and Ojietu were null and void because they did not adhere to Section 19 of the Edo State Local Government Law 2000 (as amended in 2002).
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The court highlighted that the necessary legal requirements for impeachment were not met, including the formation of a 7-member investigative panel, a review of the panel’s findings by the Edo State House of Assembly, and the proper serving of the impeachment notice to the affected officials.
Consequently, the court ordered the Inspector General of Police to ensure the safety of Hon. Marvelous and Hon. Ojietu as they resume their duties.
Additionally, a permanent order was issued to prevent the respondents from interfering with their official responsibilities, and each claimant was awarded ₦1 million in compensation.
In response to the ruling, Hon. Marvelous hailed the judgment as a victory for democracy and urged the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to respect the court’s decision.
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