By Jethro Ibileke
The impeached Chairman of Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, Paul Iyoha, has accused the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, of orchestrating his impeachment.
Iyoha is the fifth LG Chairmen already removed by the Councilors of their respective councils.
Recall that the Chairmen of Egor, Owan East, Uhunmwonde and Orhionmwon and their vice chairmen had previously been impeached.
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had also accused the ruling APC and Governor Okpebholo in particular, of being behind what it called “extermination of constitutional democracy” in the State.
Iyoha who faulted the process leading to his impeachment, noted that neither he nor other Local Government Chairmen in the State were given a fair hearing before being suspended by the State House of Assembly.
He lamented that the Council Bosses were not properly investigated or given the opportunity to defend ourselves.
He insisted that he had carried out his duties effectively, ensuring prompt payment of salaries and allowances to councillors and staff.
Iyoha said his “sins” was his political allegiance to the candidate of the PDP in last year’s gubernatorial election, Asue Ighodalo.
He discribed his ordeal as political vendetta, rather than legitimate governance concerns.
“My only offence was standing by my party’s candidate instead of supporting Governor Okpebholo, who hails from the same ward in Esan Central as myself.
“As a loyal member of the PDP and I was duty-bound to support my party’s candidate. It is not a crime to work for one’s party. However, the governor has taken my political stance personally and is using his office to punish me,” he said.
Iyoha further alleged that Okpebholo openly vowed that he would not be reinstated as chairman, citing a video purportedly showing Iyoha campaigning against him during the election.
According to him, “The Governor told people that I will never return to my position because I opposed him politically. This is unfair and undemocratic,” he added.
Continuing, Iyoha recounts the challenges he faced during the Edo governorship election, adding that he faced intimidation, including an attack on his residence, the abduction of his brother, and threats to his safety.
He claimed these actions were part of a broader effort to suppress opposition voices in the State.
“Despite the tensions, I attended the governor’s inauguration and sent a congratulatory message, as a gesture of respect for the office,” he added.
Iyoha who criticized Okpebholo’s administration for politicizing governance by involving party figures in official matters, expressed confidence that the judiciary would address the situation fairly while he continues to pursue legal redress.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Area, Edosa Enowoghomwenma and all the Councillors have defected to the ruling APC.
Enowoghomwenma and the Councillors made their defection public knowledge at a ceremony at the party’s secretariat in Iguobazua.
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