Edo PDP Takes A Stand Against Governor Okpebholo's Alleged Violation Of Local Government Laws

Edo PDP Caretaker Committee Speaks Out on Governor Okpebholo's Alleged Flouting of Local Government Laws

Listen up, folks. The Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee has stepped up to the plate, addressing what they're calling a blatant violation of the Edo Local Government structure by none other than Governor Monday Okpebholo. This is no small matter—it's a heated debate that's got everyone talking.

In a statement delivered by Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, the party voiced its shock and disbelief that the Attorney General of Edo State, Samson Osagie, would dare to label their demand for the Federal Government to withhold allocations to the Local Government Councils of Edo State as "unusual and uninformed." The PDP insists their stance is not only justified but entirely in line with legal precedents.

The Legal Battle: PDP Aligns with the AGF's Stance

Now here's the kicker: the PDP's argument isn't just some random opinion—it's backed by none other than the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). Back in December 2024, he clearly stated that the suspension of elected Local Government Chairmen in Edo was nothing short of "illegal and unconstitutional." That's a pretty strong statement, and it lines up perfectly with what the PDP has been saying all along.

Read also:

David Mccallums Net Worth 2024 The Journey Of A Legendary Actor

So you might be wondering, what kind of legal advice is Samson Osagie giving to the governor if he's contradicting the AGF's stance? It's a valid question, and the PDP isn't shy about asking it. They're pointing out that Osagie's public statements seem to be riddled with legal errors, which raises serious concerns about the quality of counsel the governor is receiving.

The Statement: A Closer Look at the PDP's Position

The statement from the PDP reads, in part, "We have carefully read the remarks attributed to the Attorney General of Edo State, Samson Osagie, where he tries to dismiss our call on the Federal Government to uphold the Constitution and enforce the Supreme Court Judgment in the Local Government Autonomy case of AG, Federation V. AG Abia and 35 others. This involves withholding the allocation due to the Local Government Councils of Edo State, which are currently being led by Governor Okpebholo's appointees, rather than the duly elected Chairmen."

They go on to say, "Being in contempt of the Supreme Court—the highest court in the land—we've also urged the Attorney General of the Federation to initiate contempt proceedings against the Edo State officials who are blatantly ignoring the Court Orders." It's a bold move, and it shows just how serious the PDP is about this issue.

And here's where it gets interesting: "We're genuinely surprised that Samson Osagie, who was only recently reinstated after being suspended as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, would dismiss our demand as 'unusual and uninformed.' Our position is not only in sync with but reinforces what the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, stated in December 2024—that the suspension of elected Local Government Chairmen in Edo is 'illegal and unconstitutional.' Is the AGF also uninformed?"

Lawyers and Judges Agree: The PDP's Position is Legally Sound

There's a clear consensus among legal experts that the PDP's stance is the correct one. Any act of disobedience to a court order can result in legal consequences, and the PDP expects Osagie to be well aware of this basic legal principle. They question the kind of legal advice the governor is receiving if Osagie himself is making such glaring legal mistakes in his public statements.

Osagie's attempt to mislead the public by claiming the elected members are still in place simply won't fly. The PDP isn't buying it, and they're calling him out on it. They ask pointed questions: "Who is the Chairman, substantive or acting, of Oredo Local Government? Under what law, power, or authority were the Chairmen of the Councils suspended or removed? What law grants the State Assembly the power to suspend or remove Council Chairmen?"

Read also:

Nicole Brown Simpson Net Worth 2024 Her Wealth And Financial Legacy

A Question of Integrity: The PDP Challenges Osagie's Credibility

The PDP also takes issue with a so-called report issued by a group of APC members and supporters handpicked by Okpebholo to investigate the elected Local Government officials. They ask, "Under what law was this group established?" They find it ironic that Osagie would accuse the Chairmen of corruption and sleaze when he himself has been accused of "grave official financial infractions" and was only recently reinstated after a secretive investigation that lacked transparency.

It's a bold challenge from the PDP, and it highlights the broader issues of accountability and transparency in Edo State's governance. As the debate continues, all eyes are on how Governor Okpebholo and Attorney General Osagie will respond to these accusations and legal challenges.