A group, the Edo Odion movement, on Tuesday called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the attorney general of the federation and the inspector general of police to enforce local government autonomy in Edo State.

The group also disclosed that using finance as a tool for political coercion undermines democracy, weakens local governance, and erodes public trust in the political system.

This is contained in a statement signed by the convener of the Edo Odion movement, Dr. Oseye Imudia, amid the local government council chairmen impasse in the state.

Imudia, who cited the landmark Supreme Court judgement of July 2024 and several enrolled orders of the Edo State High Court in Benin City on November 11, 2024, December 16th, and December 20th, 2024, said it is disturbing that the Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGAs) in the 18 local government councils in Edo State have reportedly denied salaries and emoluments to over 300 legitimately elected and appointed local government officials.

He alleged that over 150 councillors have also been affected by the deliberate political witch-hunt, allegedly orchestrated under the Okpebholo-led administration.

He noted that over 150 councillors have also been affected by this deliberate political witchhunt, allegedly orchestrated under the directives of the Governor. HOLGAs and Directors of Finance and Administration (DFAs) have been used as tools to enforce this punitive measure, effectively crippling local governance.

“It is imperative that justice and due process prevail to protect the autonomy of local governments and uphold the rule of law in Edo State,” he said.

“This is a constitution crisis taken too far and it’s time for the president of the federal republic of Nigeria to immediately correct and direct the attorney general of the federation and the inspector general of police to implement and enforce local government autonomy in Edo State in line with the constitutional provisions.”