In the wake of recent controversies surrounding the removal of local government chairpersons in Edo State, Hon. Malik Itiako Ikpokpo, a 2-time former local government chairman of Isoko South and a key stakeholder of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has criticized the actions of the Edo State House of Assembly, describing it as unconstitutional and a result of poor legal advice.
Speaking on the Edo LG Chairmen Removal, Ikpokpo expressed dismay over the perceived overreach by the Edo State House of Assembly and the governor. “It is just politics, and sadly, the governor was not properly advised. My good friend Samson Osagie, the Attorney General of the state and other advisors should have guided him better. You don’t come into governance in less than a month and start sacking local government officials without due process,” he remarked.
Ikpokpo emphasized the legal and constitutional implications of the decision, referencing the Supreme Court’s July 2024 judgment, which nullified previous laws enabling such actions by state assemblies. According to him, “Section 6 of the Constitution gives powers to the House of Assembly, but they overlook the fact that the Supreme Court judgment has rendered such powers void. This action reflects a lack of understanding of governance and undermines the autonomy of the local government system.”
Financial Autonomy vs. Administrative Autonomy
While financial autonomy has been granted to local governments following the Supreme Court ruling, Ikpokpo noted that administrative autonomy remains a significant challenge. “The Constitution allows state assemblies to make laws for local government administration, which opens the door for interference. Unless this section is reviewed or clarified by another Supreme Court judgment, such interferences will persist,” he explained.
Ikpokpo argued that financial autonomy alone is insufficient without corresponding administrative independence, which would allow local governments to operate effectively without undue influence from state assemblies or service commissions. He queried the notion of employing staff for the local government by the Local Government Service Commission, stating that the loyalty of such staff is not to the Chairmen or his policies but to those who employed them.
Ikpokpo called on the sacked local government chairmen to seek legal redress, urging the Attorney General of Edo State to provide accurate legal advice to the governor. “The governor must reverse this decision. These chairmen were elected by the people and have a constitutional mandate to serve their terms. The removal is not only unfair but also legally flawed,” he asserted.
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He also criticized the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) for its passive stance over the Edo LG Chairmen Removal. “ALGON should have stepped in by now. The national president needs to visit Edo State, assess the situation, and mediate to resolve this issue. Silence is no longer an option,” he said.
Implications for Governance
Ikpokpo highlighted the critical role of local governments in national development, stating that any attempt to undermine them would have dire consequences for healthcare, education, and security. “Local governments are the foundation of national development. Any government that fails to recognize this cannot effectively govern. Community policing, for instance, could significantly reduce crime if properly managed at the local level,” he suggested.
Ikpokpo advised the governor to prioritize dialogue and adhere to constitutional provisions. “Governance is about inclusivity and respect for institutions. The governor should consult the July 11th, Supreme Court judgment, seek proper legal advice, and engage with the affected officials to resolve this crisis. Local governments are not enemies; they are partners in development,” he emphasized.
