Some local government chairmen in Edo State resumed work yesterday and carried out their official duties, in compliance with an Edo State High Court order, despite resistance in some areas by suspected thugs.
Reports indicate that certain high-ranking government officials have resolved that the chairmen must vacate their positions, though the strategy for enforcing this decision remains unclear.
In Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Chairman Tajudeen Alade resumed office, attending to official matters and addressing staff. Alade emphasised the importance of upholding local government autonomy, which he believes will foster development in the area.
“I will keep appealing to the governor of Edo State that he remains the father of Edo State. Politics is over. We are conscious of the three tiers of government, and no tier can succeed in isolation. We must work together. Political gimmicks must be jettisoned because what our people need is development,” he stated.
He further highlighted his administration’s achievements despite financial constraints, saying, “Autonomy will guarantee freedom to the people. It will provide the pathway for economic prosperity. Local governments can build good roads, befitting health centres for our people, intervene in agriculture, and make farming easy for our farmers.”
In Orhionmwon Local Government Area, the Press Secretary to the Chairman, Roy Osariemien, reported a calm atmosphere, stating that the councillors are aligned with the Chairman, Newman Ugiagbe.
In contrast, Etsako East Local Government Area saw continued unrest. Chairman Princess Benedicta Atoh stayed away from the secretariat in Agenebode for the second consecutive day due to a hostile environment allegedly created by suspected thugs.
The Chairman’s Press Secretary, Ben Atu, explained: “Suspected thugs barricaded the entrance to the secretariat on Monday. It was the workers’ union, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, that protected the chairman’s office from being destroyed. The chairman does not want any violence but will allow the rule of law to take its place.”
