FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Impeached Chairman of Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, Paul Iyoha, has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of orchestrating his removal from office.
Iyoha faulted the process leading to his impeachment, noting that neither he nor other chairmen were given fair hearing before being suspended by the House of Assembly.
He lamented that they were not properly investigated or given the opportunity to defend themselves.
Iyoha insisted that he had carried out his duties effectively, ensuring prompt payment of salaries and allowances to councillors and staff.
The impeached council chair, who disclosed these to journalists in Benin City, expressed confidence that the judiciary would address the situation fairly, while he continues to pursue legal redress.
Iyoha said his “sins” was his political allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party’s, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in the 2024 elections, Dr Asue Ighodalo.
He discribed his ordeal as driven by political vendetta rather than legitimate governance concerns, adding that, “my only offence is standing by my party’s candidate instead of supporting Governor Okpebholo, who hails from the same ward in Esan Central as myself.
“As a loyal member of the PDP, I was duty-bound to support my party’s candidate. It is not a crime to work for one’s party. However, the governor has taken my political stance personally and is using his office to punish me.”
Iyoha alleged that the governor openly vowed that he would not be reinstated as chairman, citing a video purportedly showing Iyoha campaigning against him during the election.
“The governor told people that I will never return to my position because I opposed him politically. This is unfair and undemocratic,” he added.
He recounted the challenges he faced during the governorship election, adding that he faced intimidation, including an attack on his residence, abduction of his brother and threats to his safety.
He claimed these actions were part of a broader effort to suppress opposition voices in the state.
Iyaho added, “Despite the tension, I attended the governor’s inauguration and sent a congratulatory message, as a gesture of respect for the office.”
He however, criticised the administration for politicising governance by involving party figures in official matters.
