The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vehemently condemned the impeachment of Tom Obaseki, the chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, by individuals alleged to be impostors masquerading as councillors. The party, through its caretaker committee chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, characterized the action as a dangerous slide towards dictatorship and an affront to democratic principles. Aziegbemi expressed deep concern over the alleged use of unelected individuals to carry out the impeachment, emphasizing that these individuals lacked the legitimacy conferred by electoral victory and the possession of certificates of return. He questioned the apparent inaction of the state governor in the face of this blatant disregard for due process and called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and opinion leaders to intervene and prevent the erosion of democratic norms in the state. Furthermore, the PDP called upon security agencies to provide protection for the duly elected councillors who, according to Aziegbemi, have been forced into hiding following threats and attacks.
The PDP caretaker committee chairman highlighted the gravity of the situation by questioning how such an act could occur under the watch of the current governor. He described the impeachment process as a sham, orchestrated by individuals who did not participate in the electoral process and therefore had no mandate to represent the people. Aziegbemi argued that allowing such an illegality to stand would set a dangerous precedent, potentially paving the way for further erosion of democratic institutions and processes. He warned that the consequences of such actions could ultimately affect everyone, irrespective of political affiliation, emphasizing the need for collective action to safeguard the tenets of democracy.
The PDP’s appeal for intervention extends beyond the state level, reaching out to the highest echelons of power in the country. Aziegbemi specifically called on the President, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director General of the State Security Service to take immediate and decisive action to address the situation in Edo State. He stressed the urgency of the matter, urging these authorities to intervene before the situation escalates further and becomes more difficult to control. The party’s plea reflects a deep-seated concern about the potential for the alleged illegal impeachment to trigger wider instability and undermine the rule of law.
The PDP’s accusations paint a picture of a local government administration under siege, with duly elected representatives facing intimidation and threats. Aziegbemi’s assertion that the elected councillors have been forced into hiding underscores the climate of fear that allegedly prevails in the local government area. This fear, the PDP argues, is a direct consequence of the actions of those who orchestrated the impeachment and who now seek to consolidate their illegitimate hold on power. The party’s call for security agency intervention is thus aimed at protecting these elected officials and restoring their ability to carry out their duties without fear of reprisal.
The incident in Oredo Local Government Area, according to the PDP, is not simply a political squabble but a fundamental attack on the democratic process. The party contends that allowing unelected individuals to usurp power sets a dangerous precedent, potentially emboldening others to disregard democratic norms and resort to illegal means to achieve their political objectives. The PDP’s call for intervention from traditional rulers, religious leaders, and opinion leaders highlights the party’s belief that preserving democracy requires a collective effort, transcending political divides. These influential figures, the PDP argues, have a responsibility to speak out against such actions and uphold the principles of democratic governance.
The PDP’s strong condemnation of the impeachment and its call for intervention from various stakeholders underscore the party’s deep concern about the potential ramifications of this incident. The party views the alleged actions not only as an attack on its own members but also as a threat to the broader democratic framework of the state. The urgency and intensity of the PDP’s appeal reflect the party’s belief that the situation demands swift and decisive action to prevent a further erosion of democratic principles and to ensure that the rule of law prevails. By invoking the authority of the President, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director General of the State Security Service, the PDP seeks to elevate the issue to a national level, emphasizing its significance and the potential consequences of inaction.
