The impeached Chairman of Esan Central Local
Government Area of Edo State, Paul Iyoha has indicted Edo State Governor,
Monday Okpebholo, of orchestrating his removal from office.
He accused the governor of being the brain behind his
impeachment, noting that neither he nor other Local Government Chairmen in the
state were given a fair hearing before being suspended by the Edo State House
of Assembly.
Iyoha lamented that the council bosses were not
properly investigated or given the opportunity to defend themselves.
He insisted that he had carried out his duties
effectively, ensuring prompt payment of salaries and allowances to councillors
and staff.
The impeached council boss who disclosed this to
newsmen in Benin City, expressed confidence that the judiciary would address
the situation fairly while he continued to pursue legal redress.
Continuing, Iyoha said his “sin” was his political
allegiance with Asue Ighodalo, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
gubernatorial candidate in the 2024 election.
He described his ordeal as political vendetta rather
than legitimate governance concerns, adding, “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, 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 fight me.”
Iyoha further alleged that the governor openly vowed
that he would not be reinstated as chairman, citing a video purportedly showing
Iyoha campaigning against him during the election.
“The governor told people that I will never return to
my position because I opposed him politically. This is unfair and
undemocratic,” he added.
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.
Iyaho added, “Despite the tensions, I attended the
governor’s inauguration and sent a congratulatory message, as a gesture of
respect for the office.”
He however, criticised the administration for
politicising governance by involving party figures in official matters.
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