Paragraph 1: Escalating Crisis and Impeachment Attempts
The political landscape of Edo State, Nigeria, witnessed a dramatic escalation of tensions as councillors in three local government areas (LGAs) – Uhunmwonde, Orhionmwon, and Owan East – reportedly initiated impeachment proceedings against their respective chairmen. This move followed the suspension of 18 LGA chairmen by the state House of Assembly, ostensibly for insubordination to Governor Godwin Obaseki. The governor had accused the chairmen of failing to submit their councils’ financial statements, a charge they vehemently denied. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also condemned the suspensions, citing the principle of local government autonomy. This set the stage for a power struggle between the state government and the LGAs, with the impeachment attempts further intensifying the conflict.
Paragraph 2: Violence and Allegations of Police Involvement
The impeachment attempts were not without incident. In Uhunmwonde LGA, the situation descended into violence as gunmen, allegedly affiliated with the Government House police, attacked bystanders, resulting in several injuries. The chairman of the council, Kenneth Adodo, pointed fingers at the state government for orchestrating the attacks. This incident injected a dangerous element into the already volatile political climate, raising concerns about the use of force and intimidation in settling political disputes. The alleged involvement of police further complicated the matter, potentially undermining public trust in law enforcement and fueling further unrest.
Paragraph 3: Orhionmwon LGA: Impeachment and Counter-Impeachment
Orhionmwon LGA became the scene of a complex political drama. Councillors, reportedly mobilized to impeach Chairman Newman Ugiagbe and his deputy, Midwest Ogbebor, instead impeached their own leader, Daniel Osariemen. Chuks Isan was then installed as the new House Leader. Osariemen was accused of attempting to seize control of the council secretariat in Abudu and declare himself acting chairman. Ugiagbe, through his press secretary, denounced these actions as illegal, asserting his continued legitimacy as the duly elected chairman. This internal struggle within the council added another layer of complexity to the broader crisis, showcasing the fragmentation and shifting alliances within the local government structure.
Paragraph 4: Owan East LGA Chairman Challenges Impeachment
Aminu Okodo-Kadiri, the chairman of Owan East LGA, forcefully rejected his purported impeachment, along with that of his vice, Clement Ojebuovbo, labeling the process as unconstitutional and illegal. Okodo-Kadiri highlighted several irregularities, including the use of an unofficial mace during the proceedings, which he argued invalidated the entire process. He also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement, specifically denying the misappropriation of N50 million allegedly allocated for salary payments. He maintained that salaries had been paid up-to-date and challenged anyone with evidence of wrongdoing to present it. This direct challenge to the impeachment proceedings signaled a determination to fight the allegations and uphold the principles of due process.
Paragraph 5: Financial Mismanagement Allegations and Due Process Violations
Okodo-Kadiri addressed the accusations of financial impropriety head-on, emphasizing the transparency of the council’s financial records. He argued that the N50 million figure cited was insufficient to cover the council’s monthly salary obligations, which significantly exceeded that amount. He questioned the basis of the allegations, demanding proof of any misappropriation. Furthermore, he revealed that two councillors who participated in the impeachment proceedings had been previously suspended for gross misconduct, raising further questions about the legitimacy of the process. He argued that their involvement, without proper reinstatement procedures, further tainted the impeachment attempt.
Paragraph 6: Seeking Legal Redress and Upholding the Rule of Law
Expressing confidence in the judiciary, Okodo-Kadiri vowed to seek legal redress to overturn the impeachment and restore due process. He framed the impeachment attempt as a politically motivated attack designed to undermine the autonomy of local governments. His commitment to pursuing legal action underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law in the face of political pressure. The unfolding events in Edo State’s LGAs, marked by impeachment attempts, allegations of violence and financial misconduct, and assertions of illegality, highlight the fragile state of local governance and the urgent need for transparent and accountable administration. The ongoing legal battles promise to further shape the political landscape of the state and potentially set precedents for local government autonomy and accountability.
