The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, has criticized the Edo State House of Assembly for its recent suspension of 18 local government chairmen across the state.
In a statement made available to DAILY POST in Taraba State, on Thursday, ALGON’s National Executive Council, NEC, and Board of Trustees, BOT, condemned the decision, labeling it as a grave affront to democracy and constitutional order.
The suspensions followed accusations by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who claimed the chairmen disobeyed his directives by failing to submit financial records to the state government.
Signed by ALGON’s National Publicity Secretary, Hamisu M. Anani, the association expressed deep concern over what it described as a “setback for democracy and an abuse of power.”
ALGON emphasized that the chairmen were not afforded the opportunity to defend themselves and asserted that the suspension contravened a Supreme Court ruling that guarantees the autonomy of local governments.
“This action by the Edo State House of Assembly is unconstitutional, null, and void.
“ALGON urges the governor and the state assembly to reverse their decision and uphold the rule of law to strengthen democratic governance,” the statement read.
ALGON also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to as a matter of urgency intervene in the crisis, urging him to protect the independence of local governments and prevent further erosion of democratic values in the state.
“President Tinubu’s immediate intervention is essential to halt this abuse of power,” the statement concluded.