In a surprise move, the Edo State House of Assembly has suspended all 18 local government chairmen and vice chairmen for failing to submit their yearly stewardship reports to the state government. The decision was made during a plenary session, sparking heated debates among lawmakers.
The suspension has been met with criticism, with many arguing that the state assembly does not have the constitutional power to remove elected local government officials. Some have also accused the assembly of trying to pave the way for the ruling party to appoint new chairmen.
The heads of the legislative arms of the local councils have been directed to oversee the running of the councils for the next two months. The suspended chairmen and vice chairmen are expected to challenge the decision in court.
This development has sparked concerns about the implications for democracy and the rule of law in Edo state. Many are watching to see how the situation unfolds and whether the suspended officials will be reinstated.