By Dickson Omobola

Former Senior Special Assistant to ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Mr. Benjamin Atu, has called on the Speaker and members of the Edo State House of Assembly to reinstate the suspended chairmen of the state’s 18 local government councils.

In a statement, Atu urged the Assembly to uphold the rule of law by complying with the Supreme Court’s declaration granting autonomy to council chairmen.

He commended the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, for withdrawing from the legal dispute with the acting council chairmen and demanding a written apology from them. Atu described this as a “step in the right direction.”

Part of his statement reads: “I call on the State House of Assembly to take the path of honor and patriotism by prioritizing public interest over parochial considerations. The illegal suspension of the council chairmen must be lifted to allow them to continue developing their respective LGAs.

“The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of granting autonomy to elected council chairmen, who are integral citizens of the state. Politicians must exercise caution when engaging in political torment, as today’s opposition may become tomorrow’s allies. All politicians live in a glass house and should be cautious when throwing stones.”

Atu criticized the governor’s refusal to comply with court orders despite interventions by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and various court declarations reversing the chairmen’s suspension.

He stated: “Despite court rulings, the governor has refused to comply with the order to maintain the status quo and restore the elected chairmen. This decision is worsening hardship at the grassroots, as the appointed acting chairmen have exacerbated the economic challenges faced by the masses.”

Atu commended the judiciary for consistently ensuring that elected officials are not unjustly removed from office.

He concluded by urging the State House of Assembly to respect the Supreme Court’s ruling and reinstate the local government chairmen in line with constitutional provisions.