The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has applauded the ruling of a high court sitting in Benin City, which granted the application to reinstate the chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local government areas, who the party said “were illegally and unconstitutionally suspended by the Edo State House of Assembly at the behest of the Governor, Monday Okpebholo.”
In a statement signed by Dr Tony Aziegbemi, the Chairman of the party, he said, “The court in the ruling also directed the defendants, including the Edo State Government, the Governor, and the Attorney General, among others, not to give effect to the House of Assembly resolution purportedly suspending the 18 council chairmen.”
Aziegbemi said the landmark decision was a victory for the Edo people, democracy, and the rule of law.
“This landmark decision is a victory for the Edo people, democracy, and the rule of law. We heartily felicitate the local council executives and celebrate the judiciary for standing on the path of truth, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding the nation’s democracy,” he said.
“We consider this ruling timely and particularly significant as it will help restore hope in the people that the judiciary still remains the last hope of the common man, especially as the tribunal proceedings on the 2024 governorship election continue, where the PDP is resolute on reclaiming the mandate overwhelmingly given to it by the people of Edo State.”
The PDP Chairman urged the local government chairmen to return to their offices and continue their work of advancing grassroots development and the delivery of impactful governance for the benefit of their communities.
He added, “While we urge all stakeholders to respect this decision in the interest of peace and in compliance with the rule of law, we also call on the police and all security agencies to come out in their full regimen to protect the local government councils and the chairmen, ensuring they can effectively carry out their constitutional duties and responsibilities.”
