A two time governorship aspirant in Edo State and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) High Chief Jacob Egietseme Idinye has advised the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku to step down from his current office for flagrantly committing contempt of court.
Hon. Agbebaku had on Tuesday presided over a plenary that orchestrated the sack of all the Chairmen of 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Edo State by the Edo State Asswmbly following the directive of the Governor Senator, Monday Okpebholo.
According to Idinye the illegal decision of the State Assembly was a blatant disregard of the recent ruling of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, and the Supreme Court’s decision, in a suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, which affirmed the autonomy and independence of local governments as guaranteed under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists late Tuesday night Idinye said:
“It is a sad day for every Edo sons and daughters to have witnessed what could be simply described as legislative rascality at the Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. The purported sack or suspension of Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Edo State by the Edo State House of Assembly, following the directive of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo despite the recent ruling of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, and the Supreme Court’s decision, in a suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, which affirmed the autonomy and independence of local governments as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, what the Assembly did today is a total nullity and will never stand.
“Similarly it is also on record that there was already a restraining order from the Federal High Court restraining the Assembly or anyone else to remove, suspend or sack the elected officials. Such an action not only disregards the rule of law but also sets a dangerous precedent for our democracy. A court order is binding and must be respected by all, including the legislative arm of government.
“However, amidst this illegality, I must commend the six legislators who stood their ground and opposed the suspension of the elected LG Chairmen and their deputies. Their courage and dedication to their party and principles deserve recognition amd accolades. These six legislators are, Charity from Ovia, Ason from Ikpoba Okha, Natacha from Egor, Omosigho from Oredo, the Deputy Speaker from Esan North-East, and the legislator from Igueben. I am utterly surprised that the Speaker who is a member of PDP will behave in such a despicable and ridiculous manner.
“It is equally appalling to hear that democratically elected Chairmen and their deputies would be sacked without being given the opportunity to be heard in their defence and were suspended and unheard on watery trumped up charges, in total disregard to the constitution. These elected officials enjoy autonomy and independence as enshrined in the constitution and are not subordinates or surrogates of the Governor, the State Assembly, or any other arm of government should know this and should not have erred. More disappointing is the Speaker of the Assembly, who should be able to tell the Governor the true picture of seperation of powers and constitutional democracy.
“I strongly agree with the state chapter of our party, PDP over this disgusting and embarrassing development. The Constitution remains supreme, and any attempt to undermine its provisions or exercise disregard for the judiciary and its rulings is not only illegal but also, a direct attack on democracy and the rule of law.
“The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and the entire Assembly have clearly overstepped their constitutional mandates with this illegal action and we urge them to immediately reverse this obnoxious, illegal and unconstitutional decision, in respect to the rule of law and democratic governance.”
