Bello orders immediate reinstatement of sacked LG chairmen

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has ordered the immediate reinstatement of all Local Government Chairmen that were relieved of their positions, in the twilight of the administration of immediate-past Governor Idris Wada.

Recall that on Tuesday, November 24, ex-governor Wada had removed 15 chairmen of local governments from office for defecting to the then opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

But in a directive through the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Edward David Onoja, on Friday, Governor Bello stated that he is committed to his contract with the people of Kogi State to promote the rule of law and ensure that no one is oppressed based on political beliefs or any other reason whatsoever.

Bello directed that in situations where Vice Chairmen are acting in the capacity of the affected Chairmen, the former are to revert to their original positions.

Governor Bello expects the normalization to be carried out without rancour, regardless of political differences.

According to the directive, Chairmen who were removed via impeachment are considered to have been legally removed and are bound to the legal status quo.

The Governor directed the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Local Government Service Commission to comply immediately and accordingly.

It would be recalled that the Governor had, in his inaugural speech, promised to lead the state with respect for the rule of law and constitutionalism, restating his commitment to effective Local Government Administration in the state. This directive is in line with the New Direction of constitutional supremacy.