15 Local Government Chairmen in Kogi state have been relieved on their duties by the governor of the state under highly controversial circumstances that have been described as a personal vendetta.
Governor Idris Wada
Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State on Tuesday sacked 15 chairmen of local governments for defecting to the rival All Progressives Congress (APC), according to Premium Times.
This was contained in a statement issued in Lokoja and signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, James Adedoyin in Lokoja.
The statement cited section 20 sub section (1) and section 36 sub section 1 (d) of Kogi State Local Government Law 2000 as amended to back the action. It explained that the sacked chairmen can no longer remain in office having decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) that sponsored them.
Some of the affected council chairmen include that of Lokoja, Ogori-Magongo, Idah, Adavi, Ankpa, Okehi, Bassa, Yagba East, Yagba West and Okene among others.
They defected to the APC during the grand finale of its governorship campaign held in Lokoja on November 18. The statement warned the sacked council chairmen to stay away from their offices, directing the vice chairmen or the council leaders to take over the affairs of the affected councils as may be appropriate.
The governor said the handing and taking over should be completed by Wednesday November 25, the statement said.