Members of the Oredo Government Legislative Arm have pledged their loyalty and support to the embattled Council Chairman, Dr. Tom Obaseki, in a move that seems to challenge the state house of assembly and Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The 12 legislative members of the council who made their pledges during their Christmas visit to Obaseki vowed to support the council’s commitment to the people.
On Wednesday, December 25, 2024, the legislative members joined Dr. Obaseki in sharing joyful grooving, emphasizing harmony and unison. Dr. Obaseki and Vice Chairman Hon. Patricia Oghogho Ero were democratically elected more than a year ago in a three-year tenure system.
However, the State House of Assembly through a complaint from Governor Monday Okpebholo suspended the 18 council chairmen in Edo for two months.
The public has undoubtedly continued to respond to the development, criticizing the governor for the suspension order. The mandate of the 18 Council Chairmen has been categorically upheld by the recent Supreme Court verdict in Abuja, which was supported by a subsequent Edo State High Court decision in Benin.
By firmly prohibiting the executive and state legislative branches from meddling in the internal affairs of the nation’s local government councils, these rulings preserved democratic values and the rule of law. The chairmen’s positions are strengthened by this legal confirmation, which thwarts alleged attempts to subvert democratic procedures.
However, in a show of unwavering solidarity, 12 councillors, led by Rt Hon. Harrison Izekor, alongside the Vice Chairman, Hon. Patricia Oghogho Ero reaffirmed their loyalty to their Chairman.
Their actions defiled any alleged intimidation from the state executive and legislature as they praised Obaseki for his visionary leadership in the area whose compassionate governance according to them prioritized human well-being above all in the council area.
In a related development, Councillors of Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State have dismissed rumors of an impeachment plot against their chairman, Hon. Benedicta Attoh.
Led by the Leader of the House, Hon. Solomon Oghuma, the ten councilors declared that no amount of intimidation or enticement would persuade them to turn against their chairman, who they described as caring and compassionate.
