…A response to the so-called “Gidigba group ”
The Gidigba Group’s publication is nothing more than a politically motivated attack filled with distortions and deliberate misinformation. Contrary to their claims, Governor Monday Okpebholo is not dismantling local government autonomy but ensuring accountability, good governance, and the rule of law at the grassroots level.
- Councillors Lawfully Impeached Local Government Chairmen
It is important to clarify that the impeachment of local government chairmen was not an executive action by Governor Okpebholo but a constitutional decision made by councillors across various local governments. According to the Nigerian Constitution and local government laws, councillors have the sole responsibility and authority to impeach a chairman when found guilty of misconduct, mismanagement, or abuse of office.
The claim that Okpebholo used thugs or executive power to remove them is false. The councillors, being the representatives of the people at the grassroots level, exercised their constitutional rights to ensure accountability.
- The Past Government Violated Constitutional Democracy
The same people now crying foul over local government administration were silent when the previous government of Edo State ran the state without a functioning House of Assembly. They deliberately prevented 14 duly elected members of the Edo State House of Assembly, led by my humble self, from participating in governance, in clear violation of Sections 90 and 91 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
For over three years, Edo operated without a legitimate legislative arm, allowing one man to impose policies and decisions without democratic checks and balances. This was the real assault on democracy and governance in Edo State, yet the so-called defenders of democracy saw nothing wrong with it.
- Okpebholo Respects President Tinubu and His Policies
Gidigba Group’s (faceless) attempt to create a rift between Governor Okpebholo and President Bola Tinubu is pure mischief. Governor Okpebholo is a product of the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is committed to implementing President Tinubu’s policies, including responsible local government administration.
The Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy does not mean local government chairmen should be immune from oversight. Autonomy does not translate to impunity. Okpebholo is ensuring that local governments function effectively, not as private fiefdoms for corrupt officials.
- Okpebholo Has Achievements in His First 100 Days
Despite inheriting a broken system, Governor Okpebholo has hit the ground running. Some of his early achievements include:
Restoring law and order at the local government level.
Commencing road rehabilitations across major parts of the state.
Reinforcing security measures to curb crime.
Strengthening governance structures through strategic appointments.
Prioritizing workers’ welfare to boost productivity in the civil service.
The opposition conveniently ignores these achievements because they are focused on pushing propaganda.
- Tribunal Propaganda Won’t Change the Reality
The opposition’s desperate attempt to push a tribunal narrative is an admission of defeat. The same individuals who manipulated past elections, used state funds for personal campaigns, and undermined democracy are now hoping for judicial intervention. But Edo people have spoken, and no amount of misinformation will overturn the will of the people.
Conclusively, Governor Monday Okpebholo is not dismantling local government autonomy; he is restoring accountability and good governance. The impeachment of local government chairmen was carried out by their councillors, who acted within their constitutional rights. The real threat to democracy in Edo was the past government’s decision to operate without a functional House of Assembly, violating the very constitution they now pretend to defend.
Edo people are wiser. Okpebholo remains focused on delivering good governance, and no amount of propaganda will change that.
Rt.Hon Engr Chief,
Victor Sabor Edoror.
Former Speaker, EDHA.
