COPDEM Condemns Governor’s Actions, Calls for Redress

By Marshall Odede

COPDEM strongly condemns the unconstitutional actions of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on the suspension of duly elected Local Government Chairmen.

Governor Okpebholo’s refusal to uphold LGA autonomy is in contravention of Section 7(1) of the Nigerian Constitution.

The action has been criticised by Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM).

The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) Guidelines of 2019 explicitly prohibit interference with LGA funds.

These provisions have been ignored under Governor Okpebholo’s administration, causing significant setbacks for grassroots governance, COPDEM stated.

In a statement made available to newsmen today and signed by Prince Rwang Pam, National Chairman, Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), the frontline civil society organisation further observed that local government councils are the closest tier of governance to the people and require autonomy to function effectively.

“Interfering with the operations of LGAs undermines their ability to provide critical community services” COPDEM said.

“Assertions by state officials that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, lacks authority to override state laws are baseless.

“No state law can override the Nigerian Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land.

“Recent Supreme Court rulings have reaffirmed the supremacy of the Constitution and the invalidity of conflicting state laws.

“Attempts to justify unconstitutional interference erode public trust in governance and democratic principles.

“Governor Okpebholo’s actions have hindered LGAs from fulfilling their mandates in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

“The lack of financial independence for LGAs has left essential services grossly neglected.

“Citizens are suffering due to the ineffective governance caused by this unconstitutional interference.

“Communities are deprived of the benefits of grassroots governance, widening the gap between the government and the people.

“COPDEM demands that Governor Okpebholo immediately respects the provisions of the Constitution.

“He must respect the full autonomy of LGAs as provided by law and reaffirmed by the Supreme Court ruling to restore effective governance in Edo State.

“The Attorney-General of the Federation and federal agencies must enforce compliance with constitutional mandates.

“The judiciary must promptly address this violation to uphold the rule of law and prevent further democratic erosion.

“The Edo State House of Assembly must amend or repeal any laws that contradict the Constitution.

“The refusal to uphold LGA autonomy undermines Nigeria’s federal structure and weakens grassroots governance.

“Denying LGAs resources and authority stifles development and deprives citizens of essential services.

“Governor Okpebholo’s actions risk setting a dangerous precedent for other states to disregard constitutional provisions.

“This situation poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s federal democratic structure.

“COPDEM urges federal and state authorities, civil society, and the judiciary to act swiftly to address these violations.

“The judiciary must ensure that constitutional breaches are decisively addressed to restore public confidence.

“Civil society must advocate for accountability and good governance to protect democratic values.

“Collaboration among stakeholders is critical to safeguarding democracy and grassroots governance.

“COPDEM commends the Supreme Court’s judgments reaffirming the supremacy of the Constitution.

“These judgments emphasize the importance of respecting the rule of law and democratic norms.

“COPDEM believes that collective action and a commitment to justice can resolve this crisis.

“The Coalition remains committed to protecting democratic values and ensuring effective governance for Nigerians.

“COPDEM will continue to hold leaders accountable and advocate for a system that prioritizes the rights and needs of the people.”

Marshall Odede, Edo State.

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