(PRESS STATEMENT)
The attention of the Administrative Panel of Inquiry on the suspended Local Government Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of Edo State has been drawn to a particular ex-parte order flying on the social media. It is therefore imperative for the information of the general public to set the records straight.
First, the Resolution of the Edo State House Assembly on the subject matter was made on the 17th of December 2024. Upon receipt of the Resolution that same day, the Governor of Edo State in line with the provisions of Section 20(2) of the Edo State Local Government Law 2000 constituted our Administrative Panel of Inquiry and inaugurated our Panel in Government House at about 4pm on the 17th of December 2024.
Second, at 5pm on the 17th of December 2024 we had our inaugural sitting wherein we made the house-keeping rules of our Panel of Inquiry and laid out our work plan. The following which was 18th of December 2024, we met with the Leaders of Legislative Arm/Acting Chairmen and Heads of Local Government Administration of the 18 Local Government Councils of Edo State. Letters of the list of documents to be produced were issued to them.
Third, we were shocked to see the aforesaid ex-parte order which was procured for the Plaintiffs by one Oluwole Osaze Uzzi, who was a Defendant/Counsel in a similar case before the same Edo State High Court. This brazen act of unethical professional conduct will be reported to the appropriate authority in due course.
Fourth, the law is settled that an injunctive order, albeit ex-parte cannot be issued against an already completed act. We will not by any join issues with an order wherein we and the House of Assembly which made the Resolution were not joined as parties.
Finally, the Inquiry has started in earnest, and in due we will issue out letters to the suspended Chairmen and Vice Chairmen to defend the allegations against them. Their suspension which was made pursuant to an extant Law of Edo State remains valid.
