Group demands presidency’s enforcement of Supreme Court judgement in Edo

A socio-political interest group under the aegis of Gidigba Group, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to enforce the Supreme Court judgment on Local Government autonomy.

Solomon Idugboe, the convener of the Group in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City, said the enforcement of the judgment would allow the embattled elected Council Chairmen in Edo State to return to duty.

Idugboe opined that the enforcement would also go a long way in forestalling further escalation of the chaos. He added that with the intervention and backing of President Tinubu, the IGP can provide security to enable the Council chairmen return to duty unhurt.

He said, “Since December 2024, the 18 LGAs Chairmen have been illegally removed from office, despite strong opposition from various quarters.

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“The Supreme Court judgment, delivered in July 2024, granted financial autonomy to local government councils, empowering them to receive direct allocations from the Federation Account.

“Since then, hosts of Nigerians have intervened, including the Attorney General of the Federation, who recently warned that Governors have no right to interfere in Local Governments affair, but all have fallen in deaf ears as thugs allegedly linked to the Edo State governor are seen implementing illegal impeachments.

“With the clear statement from the AGF, however, Governor Okpebholo, and the All Progressive Congress, APC, have resisted implementing the ruling, sparking tensions.”