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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Despite threat by the suspended 18 local government chairmen in Edo State to resume work at their various secretariats, there were indications yesterday that leaders of the legislative arms of the Councils have taken over the helms of affairs as acting chairman.
This is said to be in line with the earlier directive by the state government to the leaders of the legislative arms to fill the leadership void created by the suspension of the local government chairmen by the House of Assembly last week.
It was learnt last night that leaders of the legislative arms were discreetly inaugurated in spite of a court injunction granted the council chairmen last week by a Benin High Court judge, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba, restraining the House of Assembly from suspending them pending the determination of their substantive suit in court.
It was further learnt that the take-over of the Councils’ affairs went unhindered because the chairmen allegedly failed to join the House of Assembly which gave the suspension order in their suit.
Leader of Esan Central Council, Kelvin Iyere, yesterday, received commendation after he took over as acting chairman.
Earlier yesterday, the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had at a meeting of chairmen and councillors presided over by the caretaker committee chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, directed the council chairmen to resume duties.
The meeting noted the avalanche of reactions against their suspension and urged the leaders of the councils not to compromise their integrity and to guard against being manipulated.
