Impeachment: PDP Tasks Stakeholders to Save Democracy in Edo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has raised an alarm over the alleged impeachment of the chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, Dr. Tom Obaseki, by individuals who were not elected as councilors. The PDP has condemned the impeachment, describing it as a precursor to dictatorship in the state.
At a press conference held at the party’s state secretariat, the Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo, Hon. Tony Aziegbemi, questioned the legitimacy of the impeachment, pointing out that those involved in the action had no proper electoral mandate. He expressed concerns about the implications of the move for democracy in the state.
“How can this happen under this governor? How can he allow impostors to claim they have impeached the elected leaders in the council?” Aziegbemi said, expressing disbelief that individuals who had not contested elections or received Certificates of Return could gather and impeach the local government leaders without any legal or democratic process.
Aziegbemi further criticized traditional rulers, opinion leaders, and religious figures in the state for not intervening in what he termed an erosion of democratic values. He warned that if the situation was left unchecked, it could escalate into a broader crisis affecting the entire state.
“We have said this before, our traditional rulers, our opinion moulders, and our religious leaders in Edo State are letting down Edo people. If they imagine that this is about politics, that we should leave politicians to do what they do, it will get to a point where this sky will fall on everybody’s head,” Aziegbemi stated.
The PDP leader called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to urgently address the situation in Edo. He emphasized the need for swift intervention to prevent further escalation of what he described as a dangerous trend.
“We’re urging them, very urgently for that matter, to please take this issue very seriously and deal with it now that they can still deal with it,” Aziegbemi concluded.
