The Suffering Ground: Edo State's Local Government Crisis
The Local Government crisis in Edo State has deepened, taking various forms across different Local Government Areas (LGAs). As the saying goes, "when two elephants fight, it's the ground that suffers." In this case, the Edo citizens who rely on Local Government services are bearing the brunt. The three tiers of government – Federal, State, and Local Government – each have distinct roles to play in serving citizens. The Local Government, being the closest to the people, is critical in addressing their needs. However, since the crisis began, many Local Government services have ground to a halt, leaving citizens uncertain about where to turn. The suspension of Local Government Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, the ascension of Legislative leaders to Acting Chairmen, and recent impeachment notices have sparked reactions and counter-reactions. The true state of leadership at the LGAs has become a source of concern, with those in acting capacities limited in their functions and autho...