The Executive Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Hon. Isaiah Adegbite, has rejected his purported suspension by members of the Surulere Legislative Council, describing the action as politically motivated, unlawful and an attempt by usurpers to score cheap political points.
Adegbite, in an official statement issued on Tuesday, said the resolution reportedly passed by some councillors lacks institutional procedure and cannot alter the leadership of an elected administration, insisting that the agreement of a few individuals does not give their resolution the force of law.
“On the Alleged Suspension by Members of the Surulere Legislative Council
“I have received online reports concerning the resolution reportedly passed by some members of the Surulere Local Government Legislative Council seeking to suspend me from office. Having examined the circumstances surrounding this development, I consider it necessary to make my position clear to the people of Surulere.
“It is unfortunate that an issue which cannot be established and lack institutional procedures has taken a political dimension. I consider the action politically motivated and an attempt to use the instrument of the legislative arm to score cheap political points by usurpers.
“The fact that the alleged councillors have reportedly agreed on a particular resolution does not, in itself, make that resolution lawful or give it the force to alter the leadership of an elected local government administration. Public institutions must operate within the limits of their statutory responsibilities, irrespective of the interests or affiliations of those occupying them.
“I have no personal disagreement with any member of the Legislative Council. However, political differences should not be converted into institutional confrontations, particularly where the welfare and stability of the local government are at stake.
“My administration remains committed to accountability, transparency and responsible governance. Anyone with genuine concerns about my stewardship is free to pursue them through the appropriate legal and administrative channels. What I will not encourage is the use of legislative resolutions as instruments of political intimidation or as substitutes for due process.
“I therefore urge residents, political stakeholders and party members to remain calm. The situation should not be allowed to generate unnecessary tension or disrupt the normal activities of government.
“My focus remains on the people who entrusted us with this responsibility. Surulere cannot afford to have its governance reduced to a contest of political interests. The expectations of our people must remain more important than the disagreements of political actors.
“I remain committed as the executive chairman of Surulere local government to carrying out my responsibilities in accordance with the law and will take all legitimate steps necessary to address this development.”
