Edo PDP Alleges Abduction of Councillors Over Impeachment Crisis

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised concerns over the alleged abduction of councillors in the state, accusing the government of orchestrating the acts to enforce illegal impeachments of council chairmen.

The party’s Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, made this known at a press briefing in Benin City on Tuesday.

Aziegbemi alleged that five councillors from Orhionmwon and Akoko-Edo local government areas were abducted by suspected agents of the state government.

According to him, two councillors from Orhionmwon Ward 1 and Ward 2 were abducted on Monday, while three others were taken from Akoko-Edo.

He claimed that the councillors were targeted because they refused to sign impeachment notices against their respective council chairmen.

Aziegbemi accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of orchestrating illegal meetings with council legislative leaders, “loyal” councillors, and heads of local government administrations to enforce impeachments across the state’s 18 local government councils.

“Recent events have brought to light the unlawful suspension of the duly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Councils in Edo State purportedly by the State House of Assembly, following the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo,” he said.

Aziegbemi described the suspensions, carried out on December 17, 2024, as unconstitutional and without fair hearing, referencing a court judgment by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, which voided the suspensions.

The PDP chairman noted that the suspensions were based on “gross misconduct and insubordination,” but argued that such actions contravene constitutional provisions and a recent Supreme Court judgment.

He said the Supreme Court had declared the dissolution or suspension of elected local government officials by state governments or Houses of Assembly as unconstitutional.

Despite this, Aziegbemi alleged that the state government, through its agents, continues to enforce the suspensions using thugs and non-state actors.

He also accused Governor Okpebholo of ignoring an advisory from President Bola Tinubu, delivered through the Attorney General of the Federation, which emphasized the illegality of suspending elected council leaders without due process.

“The state government has deployed thugs and non-state actors armed with whips and dangerous weapons to enforce these illegal suspensions,” he said.

Aziegbemi warned that the government’s actions pose a threat to constitutional democracy in Edo State, citing reports of intimidation, bribery, harassment, and blackmail of council leaders to compel their compliance with the illegal agenda.

He called on the federal government and relevant authorities to intervene and restore constitutional order in Edo State.