The suspended eighteen local government Chairmen in Edo state have described the action of the Edo State House of Assembly as a hoax that will not stand the test of time.
The Chairmen under the aegis of the Association of Local Government Chairmen ALGON made their position known during a press conference held in Benin.
On the 17th of December, the Edo State House of Assembly acting on a petition by Governor Monday Okpebholo suspended Chairmen and their Deputies of the 18 local government Councils and directed Leaders of the legislative arm to take charge of affairs.
The suspended chairmen not satisfied with the action of the House of Assembly described it as illegal and not having the constitutional backing to do so.
Chairman of ALGON, Edo State, Newman Ugiagbe says the action of the legislature was unconstitutional and illegal in the eyes of the Law.
Mr Ugiagbe said their tenure according to the constitution is three years, pointing out that tampering such would disrupt the existing peace and tranquillity in the state.
The chairmen joined by others said there is a court order served to the State House of Assembly restraining the state government from dissolving and tempering with the tenure of the local government administration in addition to a recent judgement instituted by the Attorney General of the Federation.
However, in his reaction, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Doctor Samson Osagie, said the State House of Assembly acted in accordance with the law, saying the outcome of the findings of the panel of inquiry set up to investigate the activities of the council chairmen will determine who will get sanctioned.
