Edo APC Breaks Silence On Suspension Of 18 Council Chairmen, Deputies

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State has said the suspension of the 18 Local Government chairmen and their deputies by the State Assembly was done to maintain order and stability.

The Acting State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarret Tenebe said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Benin City.

In the statement titled, “Factional PDP, a security threat to Governance in Edo State”, Tenebe described the recent press briefing by Anthony Aziegbemi, the PDP caretaker committee chairman christened, “extermination of constitutional democracy” and “lawlessness” by the State Government as unfounded and libellous.

He said the leadership of APC in the state are fully in support of the actions taken by the House of Assembly.

He also declared the party’s support for the Councillors for the various steps taken so far across the various local government councils in the state.

The state acting chairman of the APC opined that Councillors decided to save their people by impeaching the suspended chairmen.

He, however, urged the various anti-graft agencies to recover the stolen commonwealth in the state that was allegedly perpetrated by the PDP suspended council chairmen.

According to him, for the records, the suspension of local government chairmen and vice chairmen by the House of Assembly was done to maintain order and stability in the state.

“Governor Okpebholo has a responsibility to ensure that all the three tiers of government operate within the ambit of the law in the state.

“It is crucial to recognize that the government has a duty to protect the interests of the citizens and maintain public order.

“The Edo State Laws, as documented by the Ministry of Justice, provide a framework for the governance of the State. While the PDP Caretaker Committee claims that the Governor’s actions are in breach of court injunctions and the Constitution, it is essential to consider the complexities of the situation.

“Rather than accusing the Governor of “lawlessness” and “extermination of constitutional democracy,” the PDP Caretaker Committee should engage in constructive dialogue and seek solutions that promote the well-being of all Edo State citizens.

“However, it is also worth noting that the people of Edo State are aware of the PDP’s tactics and are not swayed by their allegations. The PDP’s approach is seen as a desperate attempt to discredit Governor Okpebholo and the State Government rather than a genuine concern for the welfare of the people.

“The PDP as a dying party and must not be regarded. Under the watch of the PDP in Edo State, the biggest financial heist in history was committed by Godwin Obaseki. The same Obaseki, a PDP member, refused to swear in 14 out of 24 members of the House of Assembly for four years.

“The PDP government in Edo State removed and suspended chairmen of local governments. The same PDP government in Edo when it held sway abused the rights of Edo people like never before. Houses and properties of members of the opposition were demolished despite valid court orders.

“Obaseki’s reign in Edo State was a sad reminder of the days of colonial slave traders, who blatantly abused the rights of the people.

“While we concede that as an opposition party, the PDP can critique the activities of the Government, we will however, not allow the party to twist facts and wrongly accuse Governor Okpebholo”, he said.

Tenebe, however, urged the opposition parties, and civil society organizations to work together with the state government to address any perceived grievances and ensure that the democratic process is upheld.

He opined Governor Monday Okpebholo has a clear mandate and that no amount of distractions or blackmail can stop him.