The Executive Chairman of Oriire Local Government, Hon. Teju Michael Alabi, has dismissed his purported suspension by some members of the Oriire Legislative Council, describing it as an illegal political manoeuvre by “political toddlers” aimed at truncating the mandate freely given to him by the people, insisting he remains the duly elected Chairman.
Alabi who spoke with Goalpoachernews on Tuesday considered the development an unfortunate attempt by political toddlers to undermine democratic principles and truncate the mandate freely given to him by the electorate in Oriire.
According to online report, Alabi was suspended on Monday over allegations of financial misappropriation and gross misconduct by 8 councillors at a sitting presided over by the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Adeniran Issa, who assumed leadership following the suspension of the House Leader.
According to the report, the Vice-Chairperson, Hon Lydia Bankole was pronounced as the acting chairman until further confirmation by the Oyo State House of Assembly as the substantive council boss.
“I have taken note of the purported suspension circulating online, reportedly announced by some acclaimed members of the Oriire Local Government Legislative Council. While I respect the legislative institution and its constitutional responsibilities, I consider the development an unfortunate attempt by political toddlers to undermine democratic principles and truncate the mandate freely given to me by the good people of Oriire Local Government.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I remain the duly elected Executive Chairman of Oriire Local Government. I have not abandoned my office, resigned my position or surrendered the mandate entrusted to me by the people. I remain conscious of the oath I took to uphold and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and that oath continues to bind me in the discharge of my responsibilities.
“Democracy is not governed by personal interests, political calculations or the numerical strength of a group of individuals. It is governed by laws and established constitutional procedures. Those entrusted with legislative responsibilities must understand that oversight is not absolute authority, and political disagreements must never become an excuse to undermine the democratic mandate of the people.
“Let me make it clear that I have nothing to fear regarding accountability. If anyone has credible allegations of financial misappropriation, financial impropriety or any other misconduct against me, I will be the first to submit myself to investigation and trial before the appropriate authorities. I welcome transparency, scrutiny and accountability, but such processes must be conducted in accordance with the law and the principles of fair hearing.
“The Constitution has laid down the rules governing public office, accountability and the removal of elected officials. Anyone who has anything against me should follow those constitutional provisions rather than resorting to political manoeuvres, unilateral resolutions or actions that seek to impose an outcome outside the law.
“I therefore call on members of the public, particularly members and supporters of our great party, to remain calm, steadfast and unmoved by the development. There is no cause for panic or apprehension. Our administration remains in power, and we remain committed to discharging our responsibilities to the people of Oriire. Nobody should allow an online announcement or political manoeuvring to create unnecessary tension or uncertainty.
“My commitment to the welfare and development of Oriire remains unwavering. We will continue to uphold the rule of law and pursue every legitimate avenue to protect the mandate entrusted to us by the electorate.
“I remain the Executive Chairman of Oriire Local Government. Anyone who has an issue with my administration should pursue it through the constitutional and legal channels. The mandate of the people is not a political toy, and democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of personal interests.”
