The Edo State House of Assembly has voted to suspend the chairmen and vice chairmen of all 18 local government areas in the state for a period of two months.
This decision, which was reached on Tuesday, also mandates the legislative leaders in each local government to assume control of their respective councils during the suspension.
The motion for the suspension was introduced by Mr. Isibor Adeh, the member representing Esan North East I, and was seconded by Mr. Donald Okogbe, the representative for Akoko-Edo Constituency II.
The suspension follows a petition submitted by Governor Monday Okpebholo to the Assembly, accusing the council chairmen and their deputies of refusing to provide financial records of their local governments to the state government.
The governor described this refusal as insubordination and gross misconduct, urging the Assembly to investigate the issue.
During the debate on the matter, 14 members of the Assembly supported the motion, while six opposed it. Three members abstained from voting.
The Speaker, Mr. Blessing Agbebaku, had previously instructed all members to express their views on the issue. Afterward, the Clerk of the House, Mr. Yahaya Omogbai, conducted a headcount to determine the number of members in favor or against the suspension.
