Edo Chief Judge Warns Against Unlawful Dissolution of Local Government Councils by Monday Okpebholo

Edo Chief Judge Warns Against Unlawful Dissolution of Local Government Councils by Monday Okpebholo

Edo Today Reports that the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has declared that neither the state government, the House of Assembly, nor their agents have the legal authority to dissolve elected local government officials. This statement was made during a meeting in his office with legal representatives of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Justice Okungbowa based his stance on a recent Supreme Court judgment in the case of Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State (#36 ORS [2024] LPELR – 62576 [SC]). This landmark ruling, according to him, solidifies the principle that elected council members cannot be arbitrarily dissolved by state authorities.

In his remarks, Justice Okungbowa highlighted the broader implications of the judgment, emphasizing its role in safeguarding democratic values.

“This judgment reaffirms the importance of protecting the integrity of democratic processes and respecting the mandate given by the people. Elected local government officials represent the will of the electorate and must be allowed to execute their duties without the constant threat of unlawful dissolution,” he said.

The Chief Judge underscored that governance at the third tier must operate free from undue interference, stressing that judicial precedents like this strengthen democracy and the rule of law.

Justice Okungbowa criticized any actions by state governors or Houses of Assembly that undermine the judiciary’s decisions, warning such moves erode public trust in democratic institutions.

“Attempts by any of Nigeria’s 36 states to unlawfully dissolve elected local government chairmen undermine democracy and violate the Supreme Court’s ruling. These actions not only disregard judicial independence but also pose serious challenges to the principles of separation of powers,” he noted.

The Chief Judge urged all branches of government—executive, legislative, and judiciary—to work within the limits of the law. He stressed the necessity of respecting judicial decisions to uphold the nation’s democratic framework.

“The judiciary has a critical role in ensuring justice and safeguarding the rights of citizens. Disregarding court rulings strikes at the heart of democracy. Any attempt to bypass the judiciary’s decisions is a direct affront to justice and democratic values,” Justice Okungbowa added.

Justice Okungbowa’s remarks shed light on the broader significance of the Supreme Court’s ruling as a guiding principle for future governance. The decision reinforces the autonomy of local governments, safeguarding them from arbitrary actions by higher levels of government.

This judgment sends a clear message: elected officials, no matter their level, must be allowed to serve their full mandates without interference. It also serves as a cautionary tale to any government body contemplating actions that contradict judicial rulings or democratic norms.

As the Chief Judge aptly concluded, the rule of law is the bedrock of democracy, and all arms of government must work together to preserve it.

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