The Benin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association has condemned the suspension of the 18 local government chairmen and their deputies by the Edo State House of Assembly, describing the action as a violation of the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the branch chairman, Idemudia Osifo, the NBA said the Assembly’s decision contradicted a recent Supreme Court ruling, asserting that it amounted to disregarding the principles of the rule of law.
The statement read, “The Nigerian Bar Association, Benin Branch, expresses its profound sorrow and indignation over the incidents of Tuesday the 17th day of December 2024 that appeared to stand the rule of law on its head.
“The NBA, Benin, was aghast when it received the news that the Edo State Assembly purportedly suspended democratically elected local government chairmen in the guise of misconduct.
“The NBA, Benin states categorically that the recent Supreme Court decision in AG of the Federation v. AG of Abia State & Ors (2024) LPELR-62576 (SC) has affirmed beyond pre-adventure the autonomy of the local governments.
“We therefore call on all actors to constrain themselves to act within the ambit of the law. The law has provided the proper channels to anyone who desires to find out the true financial state of the local government councils.”
The association emphasised the need for adherence to legal processes, urging all relevant stakeholders to respect the autonomy of local governments as established by the Supreme Court judgment.
The NBA further appealed to the Attorney General and other members of the legal profession to offer guidance in accordance with the principles of justice. “The law as the rule of law must be seen to be above all,” the statement concluded.
The suspension of the chairmen and deputies has drawn widespread criticism, with legal experts and civil society groups warning against actions that undermine democratic processes and the judiciary’s authority.
