Edo State Local Government Chairmen Deny Defection Allegations Amid Political Turmoil

Edo State Council Chairmen Speak Out Against Defection Claims

Let me tell you what's really going on in Edo State. The chairmen of the local government councils have come forward to deny any claims that they've jumped ship to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This is a big deal, folks, because it's not just about party politics—it's about accountability, integrity, and the future of governance in the region.

In a strongly worded statement issued by the Forum of Edo State Local Government Councils and signed by Benjamin Atu, the chairmen made it crystal clear that these defection reports are nothing but smoke and mirrors. They’re calling it a desperate move by Governor Monday Okpebholo to legitimize the appointment of certain councillors as "illegal acting chairmen." It's a bold accusation, and it doesn't stop there.

Why the Chairmen Are Pushing Back

These chairmen aren’t just sitting back and taking it. They're accusing the governor of trying to pull the wool over President Bola Tinubu's eyes. The governor, they say, is attempting to create the illusion that the local government council chairmen are throwing their weight behind Tinubu's 2027 presidential ambitions. But according to the chairmen, this is far from the truth.

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And here's the kicker: they're not impressed with the governor's leadership. In their statement, they slammed his speech at the gathering, labeling it as hollow. Why? Because he didn't address the glaring issues of infrastructure, security, and economic challenges that are plaguing the local government councils under his watch. It’s like showing up to a sinking ship and pretending everything is fine.

A Strong Statement from the Elected Chairmen

Here’s how the statement put it: “We wish to inform the general public that those who defected were just councillors with no real political sway. None of the duly elected local government council chairmen have defected or even attended the gathering where money was handed out to councillors like they were helpless nursery school kids waiting for free lunch. The elected chairmen want nothing to do with this charade and are urging the national media to stop misleading the public with inaccurate headlines that don’t reflect the reality on the ground.”

Benjamin Atu, the press secretary, wasn’t shy about criticizing the governor’s actions. He said, “If the governor truly believes that these individuals he’s banking on can secure his grip on the state’s politics and deliver Tinubu in 2027, then he’s living in a fantasy world. This plan is already dead on arrival.”

And it gets worse. The chairmen pointed out that local government councils have been left in the dark, with no leadership or direction, ever since the governor kicked them out of office three months ago, using political thugs and security forces to enforce his will. It's a situation that's left many questioning his methods and motives.

A Missed Opportunity for the Governor

According to the chairmen, the governor squandered state resources on gathering and bribing councillors, money that could have been better spent mobilizing security agents and grassroots vigilante groups to tackle the rising insecurity in the state, particularly in Edo North. They argue that this misuse of funds is a clear indication of misplaced priorities.

They wrapped up their statement by saying that the governor still has a chance to redeem himself. All he has to do is restore the elected council chairmen to their positions. But instead of taking this opportunity, they claim he’s chosen to become a victim of his own making. It’s a poignant reminder that in politics, as in life, every decision has consequences.

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