Umahi Swears-in Ebonyi LG Chairmen, Councillors Despite Court Order

 

David Umahi, the Governor of Ebonyi State has sworn-in the newly-elected 13 council chairmen and the 171 councilors.

 

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Thursday amid tight security despite a court order against it, DailyPost reported.

 

Recall that the Federal High Court in a judgement delivered by justice Fatun Riman on 25th August, 2022, had voided the said election that produced the 13 local government chairmen that was conducted by the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission, EBSIEC.

 

Also, the newly-elected council chairmen had earlier approached the Ebonyi State High Court sitting in Abakaliki, and obtained an ex-parte order that enabled the governor to swear them in.

 

The inauguration of the said council chairmen took place despite the Federal High Court judgement which nullified the local government elections.

 

It was gathered that security operatives especially the police, DSS among others cordoned the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, wherein the inauguration took place.

 

Umahi insisted that the Ex-parte order granted by the State High Court empowered him to swear in the council chairmen.

 

The governor also reiterated that the tenure for chairmen and councillors remains two years as enshrined in the Amended Ebonyi Local Government Law 005.

 

According to him: “I congratulate all the newly sworn in chairmen. I charge you to as a matter of urgency inaugurate the council legislative arm before 9am on September 2” he stated.