The Benin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the suspension of 18 local government area chairmen and their deputies by the Edo State House of Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday, NBA chairman Idemudia Osifo described the Assembly’s actions as contrary to a Supreme Court ruling, labeling it as an affront to the rule of law. The statement expressed the NBA’s dismay over the suspension, which was framed as a response to alleged misconduct.
The NBA emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision in AG of the Federation v. AG of Abia State & Ors affirmed the autonomy of local governments. The association urged all parties to operate within legal boundaries and highlighted the established channels for addressing financial inquiries concerning local councils.
Furthermore, the NBA called on the Attorney General and other legal stakeholders to uphold the law, reinforcing the principle that the rule of law must prevail above all else.
