Political tension heightens in Agenebode, the administrative headquarters of Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, as suspected political thugs on Tuesday broke into the legislative chamber and snatched the legislative mace.
The development caused panic among council workers as the ten councillors reinstated their support for Princess Benedicta Attoh, the council’s chairman.
It was gathered that the move by the hoodlums aimed to use the mace to impeach the chairman.
Remember that local government councils in Edo State had been at loggerheads with the governor, Sen Monday Okpebholo, following the dissolution of the 18th local government council.
In a swift reaction to the development, the Councillors made a statement through the majority leader of the House, Ho. Ibrahim Abdulsalim Afoso described those who perpetrated the act as democratic assassins who seek to murder Democracy in Etsako East.
Afoso said, “We reaffirmed our unwavering support for the council Chairman, Hon. Princess Benedicta Attoh. We are standing with her and by her. Any impeachment from any quarter can’t stand because it’s not coming from the elected Councillors. Hon. Benedicta Attoh is the Executive Chairman of Etsako East local Government Council, and it will remain so.”
“We have just received reports that unknown persons have stolen the legislative mace of the Etsako East Local Government Council. We condemn this act and disassociate ourselves from this blatant display of desperation and lawlessness.
“In light of recent events, we, the councillors of Etsako East Local Government Area, wish to reaffirm our unwavering support and loyalty to our Chairman, Hon. Princess Benedicta Attoh. We stand firmly behind her leadership and vision for our local government council.
“We urge the perpetrators of the theft to return the mace immediately and call on the security agencies to investigate this incident and bring the culprits to justice.”
