By SIMON EBEGBULEM
BENIN CITY—THE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo South senatorial district of Edo state, has given Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, 48-hour ultimatum to reverse his decision to suspend the Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, Mr Mike Ehima or face the wrath of members of the party.
The leadership of the Edo state House of Assembly, through a letter addressed to the Governor, that was signed by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr Levis Aigbogun, had last Thursday, described the Governor’s action as illegal and urged the Governor to properly look at the relevant Local Government laws and reverse his decision.
The Governor had Wednesday, suspended the Chairman for alleged misappropriation of council fund and neglect to duties, particularly the alleged failure to pay staff of the Council salaries for the past three months.
However, the Vice Chairman (Edo South) of the party, Chief Owere Dickson Imasogie, flanked by other party leaders including the immediate past state representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Mathew Iduoriyekenwen, Barr. Henry Idahagbon and others, told newsmen Benin City , yesterday, that “we found it strange for the Governor to be relying on an odious law of 2000, when there is a current law of 2006 to suspend the chairman.
“It is unfortunate that a Governor that came into office on the wings of rule of law to actively perverting the rule of law in Edo state.
For the avoidance of doubt, under the provision of section 20 of the 2006 law, it is the sole prerogative of the state House of Assembly to approve the suspension of a council chairman after the Governor must have written to them requesting for suspension.
“In this case, the Governor only wrote to the House on the 27 July and the House explained that the matter will be treated when they resumes plenary in 7 September.
But the governor could not wait and went on to suspend the chairman and swore in the Vice_Chairman. It is illegal. The rights of the citizens are being violated on a daily basis.
Therefore, he should rescind the decision and tender an unreserved apology to the people of the council. If at the end of the 48 hours, the governor does not rescind the decision, we will support the chairman to go back to his office and we will resist any attempt to stop us” he asserted.
I believe in diversity. The rule of law should prevail. It may seem slow. However, the Governor should uphold the rule of law. I would be dissapointed if he decides to join PDP, as aresult of pressure. He should not decamp to PDP. God strenghten Edo State and Nigeria.
For David Osamudiamen.
I am not Nigerian and I must tell you that peoples everuwhere feel deception over politicians. It is something normal. Nigeria is a new country (only 49 years) and the imported political system must adapt to Nigerian reality. In Eastern Europe is a theory about “imported forms (mostly French) that must interact with “local fond”. If Nigeria will pass without a new civil war the present crisis it will become stronger and will creat it`s own democratic traditions and customs. Nigerians, you extremely critic to your own country.
infact,sometime I regret of being a Nigerian.However,situation cannot make one to deny his place of birth. The way those who call themself politicians are handling the political situation in NIgeria most especially in Edo state is absolutely a disgrace in this 21st century.I want to thank all Nigerians both at home and abroad for your great concern for the improvement of Edo state.