President Bola Tinubu
The Gidigba Group, a socio-political interest group, has called on President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Inspector-General of Police to enforce the judgment on local government autonomy in Edo State.
The group made the call in a statement issued by its convener, Solomon Idugboe, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Benin.
This call comes in the wake of the recent suspension of local government chairmen and their vice chairmen by the Edo State House of Assembly.
Idugboe stressed that it was essential to allow the democratically elected chairmen to resume their duties.
He warned that any delay in action by the presidency could lead to chaos in the state.
“The elected council chairmen should be allowed to return to duty,” he said.
The convener also emphasised that a viable and autonomous local government system is crucial for grassroots development.
According to him, the actions of the Edo State government are undermining this principle.
“Since then, many Nigerians have intervened, including the Attorney General of the Federation, who recently warned that governors have no right to interfere in local government affairs.
“However, all interventions have fallen on deaf ears, as thugs, allegedly linked to the state governor, have been seen carrying out illegal impeachments.
“Despite the clear statement from the AGF, the government has resisted implementing the ruling, which has sparked tensions,” he added.
With the president’s support, Idugboe stated, the Inspector-General of Police could provide security to enable the council chairmen to return to duty safely.
He said this would restore the rule of law and ensure the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment. (NAN)
