Tension has gripped Agenebode, the administrative headquarters of Etsako East Local Government Area in Edo State, after suspected hoodlums stormed the legislative chamber on Tuesday and carted away the mace, sparking concerns of an attempt to disrupt democratic proceedings.
The incident, which threw council workers into panic, occurred as 10 councillors reaffirmed their support for the council chairman, Benedicta Attoh.
Sources alleged that the stolen mace was intended to facilitate an impeachment move against Attoh, a claim that has heightened fears of a brewing political crisis in the area.
Reacting to the development, the Majority Leader of the legislative arm, Ibrahim Afoso, condemned the act in strong terms, describing the perpetrators as “democratic assassins.”
Afoso said, “We reaffirm our unwavering support for the council chairman, Hon. Benedicta Attoh. We stand with her and by her. Any impeachment attempt from any quarter cannot stand because it is not coming from the elected councillors. Hon. Attoh is the legitimate Executive Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council, and it will remain so.
“We have received reports that the legislative mace of the council has been stolen by unknown persons. We condemn this act and disassociate ourselves from this blatant display of desperation and lawlessness.
“We call on the perpetrators of this theft to return the mace immediately and urge security agencies to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.”
Afoso further urged stakeholders in the local government to remain calm and assured residents that the councillors are committed to protecting democratic processes.
The incident comes amid ongoing tensions between local government councils in Edo State and Governor Monday Okpebholo following the suspension of the chairmen and vice-chairmen of the state’s 18 local government councils two weeks ago.
Observers fear the theft of the mace could exacerbate the crisis and undermine governance in the local government. Efforts to reach Governor Okpebholo’s office for comments on the incident were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
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