DISSOLUTION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILS IN COMPLIANCE WITH COURT ORDER
In compliance with a Court Order made by Hon Justice Alaba Omolaiye – Ajileye Kogi State Government has dissolved all the 21 Local Government Councils in the State today 18th December, 2014.
A statement from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Lokoja today said the State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada approved the dissolution of the councils in compliance with the Koton-Karfe High Court Order of Wednesday, 17 December, 2014.
The statement which directed the Council Chairmen to hand over the affairs of the Local Government Councils to their respective DLG’s today, Thursday, 18 December, 2014, also directed the DLG’s to take over the affairs of the Local Government Councils pending when another Local Government election is conducted.
It will be recalled that Hon Justice Alaba Omolaiye- Ajileye of High Court of Justice Koton-Karfe, had delivered a judgment on Monday 8th December, 2014, in respect of a suit instituted against the State Government and State Electoral Commission (SIEC), and declared that membership of the SIEC that conducted the 4th May, 2013 Local Government election was constituted contrary to the provisions of the 1999 constitution (as amended).
By the judgment, Justice Alaba, declared that the Chairmen and the Councilors that were elected under the void election have lost their posts and ordered that the most senior Director of the Local Governments Councils assume responsibilities of each Local Government Council pending when another Local Government election is conducted.
Furthermore, the same court on Wednesday, 17th December, 2014, made a fresh Order compelling the Attorney General of Kogi State and the Chief Law officer of the State to ensure compliance with its judgment of Monday 8th day of December, 2014 within 24 hours from the time of his directive.
Being a Court Order, the State Governor through the statement called on all concerned to ensure strict compliance with these directives.
The Government of Kogi State appeals to all its citizens in the 21 LGAs to be law abiding and carry on with their duties and pleasures as appropriate.
SIGNED.
JAMES B. ADEDOYIN
Permanent Secretary.
