The Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District Senator Teslim Folarin has called on the Oyo State government to respect the rule of law and not create undue chaos in the state.
Senator Folarin who refers to the Supreme Court judgement of 11th December 2019 which returned the People Democratic Chairmen elected under former governor Ayodele Fayose in Ekiti State despite the state having the candidate of Dr. Kayode Fayemi of All Peoples Congress Party as the governor was a landmark judgement.
“ The judgement rightfully recognized Local government, as a third tier of government, whose elected officers cannot be sacked by any state governor of House of Assembly. The five man Supreme Court Panel of Justices, led by Justice Olubolade stripped the State Governors of the power to sack elected local government Chairmen and Councillors and also banned the appointment of caretaker Chairmen by the State Governors.The beauty of the judgement is that it drew the curtain on the illegality which had dominated our polity since our return to the current democratic dispensation in 1999”
According to him, the judgement also declared null and void the Act giving legislature powers to State House of Assembly to sack elected local government chairmen. “Not only these, the judge ruled that all (36) state governors, House of Assemblies and Minister of the FCT be served with the copies of the judgement. He is of the opinion that the recent letter of the Attorney General of the Federation to the Oyo State Governor was in compliance with Supreme Court’s directive.
He said further that the reason for the state government in attempting to sack the duly elected council officers’ in spite of the Supreme Court ruling and in complete disobedience of another Ibadan High Court ruling against such action eludes any sane mind. Why can’t the state government await the outcome of their pending appeal before appointing illegal caretaker who the constitution and the Supreme Court judgement has proscribed and declared unconstitutional? He queried.
We as member of the opposition party, the Oyo APC, respected the decision of the judiciary when it affirmed the election of Governor Seyi Makinde. We urge him to equally respect the decision of the same Judiciary in the matter of local government administration. To do otherwise is a recipe for anarchy.
“When we fail to abide by the rule of law, we invite anarchy, the main reason i will urge thios administration not to heat the polity” He said.
While I thank the law abiding citizens of our dear state for abiding with law and order, I equally salute the courage of the elected chairmen and councillors for returning to their offices despite threats, intimidation, harassment and violence by the PDP members, state government and their sponsored thugs. I also appreciate the law enforcement agents for performing their duties in line of the law.
Conclusively, as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who sworn on oath to respect and abide by the constitution of our great country, I would do all within my power to ensure that the laws of our dear country are not abrogated for selfish political pursuits.
