HIGH COURT NULLIFIES IMPEACHMENT OF ETSAKO WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN
By Towncriernews
The High Court in Auchi has issued a significant ruling that invalidates the impeachment of Hon. Zibiri Muhizu Marvelous and Hon. Benji Ojietu from their positions as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Etsako West Local Government Council, respectively.
In a carefully considered decision, Justice O. M. Obayuwana declared the impeachment proceedings to be null and void, highlighting the failure to comply with Section 19 of the Edo State Local Government Law 2000 (as amended in 2002).
The court found that the respondents did not provide sufficient evidence of meeting the necessary statutory requirements, which included: the formation of a 7-member panel to investigate the claimants, a review of findings by the Edo State House of Assembly, and the proper service of impeachment notice to the claimants.
As a result, the court ruled the impeachment of Hon. Zibiri Muhizu Marvelous and Hon. Benji Ojietu as Chairman and Vice Chairman of Etsako West Local Government illegal, null, and void.
Additionally, the court mandated the following: the Inspector General of Police is to ensure the claimants’ protection as they return to their office, a perpetual injunction against the respondents from interfering with the claimants’ responsibilities, and the payment of N1 million each by the respondents to the claimants as compensation.
This ruling emphasizes the critical need for adherence to due process and the rule of law in governance.
Recall that the Edo State governor Senator Monday Okpebholo after his declared victory, through the house of assembly, called for the suspension of the 18 local government chairmen over alleged insubordination.
The suspension received a lot of criticisms from the citizens of the state and the Attorney General and minister of justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN) and across the country.
Later, the burden shifted to the local government where it was learnt that the state government influenced and directed the legislative arm to impeach the chairmen.
Responding to the judgement, the council chairman, Hon. Zibiri Marvelous described it as victory for democracy.
He further appealed to the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo to obey the decision of the court
