Protesters under the Concerned Edo Youth group have called for the immediate reinstatement of the 18 local government chairmen suspended in Edo State, demanding that the Edo State House of Assembly make public the report from its committee investigating the matter.
The suspension, which began on December 17, 2024, followed complaints from Governor Monday Okpebholo that the chairmen had failed to submit their councils’ financial records. Despite challenges to the suspension in court and some chairmen facing impeachment, they have not been reinstated, and the matter remains unresolved.
Joseph Gbale, the group’s coordinator, expressed frustration, stating, “It is regrettable that both the Edo State Government and the House of Assembly have not mustered the courage to accept the truth and uphold the rule of law but have continued to perpetuate illegality, causing violence and panic in our various councils.”
The protesters are calling for the lifting of the suspension, which they argue has been in violation of due process for over two months. Gbale further demanded transparency, urging the House of Assembly to present the findings of the investigation, and questioned whether the accused chairmen and their deputies were given a fair hearing.
Gbale added, “The House must, within seven days, present to Edo people the outcome of the committee report that was set up to investigate the supposed case of insubordination against our council chairmen.”
The group also urged Governor Okpebholo to collaborate with the local government chairmen to restore peace and communicate his vision for the state’s progress.