Edo suspends 4 council chairmen

In from Olumide Olaoluwa … .

The maneuvers for the Edo State 2016 elections are getting more intriguing, as the state House of Assembly on Tuesday approved Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s request for the suspension of four council chairmen.

The affected LG bosses are Osaro Obazee (Oredo) Victor Enobakhare (Egor) Roland Ibierutomwen (Orhiomwon) and Emmanuel Momoh (Estako Central).

Their suspension followed a letter by Governor Oshiomhole seeking action on the affected council bosses.

Oshiomhole explained that the council bosses were guilty of non-payment of salaries without proper explanation, illegal employment, diversion of funds, lack of due process in the award of contracts and violation of law processes.

The governor said his letter was in compliance with relevant section of the local government laws as amended.

Read also: Oshiomhole surprises 4 commissioners with sack letters

He said the suspension was to pave way for a panel of enquiry to investigate allegations against the chairmen.

The lawmakers approved the letter and suspended the chairmen for two months in the first instance, and ordered Vice Chairmen in the affected local councils to take over affairs of the councils.

However, political sources in the state aver, that the suspension of the LG chairmen may not be unconnected with a desire by Oshiomhole to be in total control of the political structures in the state ahead of the coming governorship election in the state.

The source explained, that the suspended council bosses were loyal to the state’s deputy governor, Pius Odubu, a situation Oshiomhole may not be comfortable with.

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