The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has strongly condemned the Edo State House of Assembly's suspension of 18 local government chairmen in the state.
After its emergency meeting on Wednesday afternoon, the ALGON's National Executive Council (NEC), and its Board of Trustees (BOT) jointly condemned the decision which was made after Governor Monday Okpebholo accusing the chairmen of disobeying his instructions by refusing to submit their financial records to the state government.
According to a statement signed by Hon Hamisu M. Anani, the ALGON's National Publicity Secretary, the ALGON noted that it "views this suspension as a setback for democracy and an abuse of power, particularly since the chairmen were not given a chance to defend themselves.
"The Association argues that the suspension is invalid, as it contradicts the Supreme Court's judgment granting local governments autonomy."
The Edo State House of Assembly's decision has also been criticized by across the length and breadth of the country describing the action as unconstitutional, null, and void.
"ALGON hereby urges the Governor and the State Assembly to reverse its decision and respect the rule of law to strengthen democratic governance.
"ALGON also appeals to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and halt this abuse of power, emphasizing the need to respect the autonomy and independence of local governments as guaranteed by the Constitution".
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