Human rights lawyer Deji Ajare has called upon Kogi State House of Assembly Speaker Umar Yusuf to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Usman Ododo. Ajare’s plea, conveyed in a letter addressed to the speaker through the clerk of the House, centers on allegations of misconduct and abuse of office against the governor.
Ajare specifically cited the use of the governor’s motorcade to transport former governor Yahaya Bello, who is facing allegations related to an N80.2 billion money laundering case. This action, according to Ajare, constitutes harboring a fugitive, obstruction of justice, and the inappropriate use of state resources.
In light of these allegations and the potential breaches of statutory duties outlined by the Constitution and other relevant laws, Ajare urged the assembly to conduct a thorough investigation, in accordance with Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, to determine the veracity of the claims. He emphasized the importance of holding Governor Usman Ododo accountable if the allegations are substantiated.
Furthermore, Ajare called for the assembly’s cooperation with national law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to ensure that all individuals involved are available for questioning and to facilitate a seamless investigation process.
Highlighting the adverse impact of the alleged misgovernance on the people of Kogi State, Ajare urged the House of Assembly to take prompt and decisive action in addressing these concerns.
The letter also expressed gratitude and anticipation of prompt attention to the matter, emphasizing trust in the recipient’s dedication to upholding the Constitution and laws of the land for the benefit of the state and its people.
However, Mohammed Yabagi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, stated during a telephone conversation with our correspondent that neither the Clerk nor the Speaker had received such a letter. Yabagi clarified that the House had not found valid grounds to initiate impeachment proceedings against the governor. He emphasized that there was no evidence to suggest that the governor obstructed security agencies from arresting Yahaya Bello.
Yabagi further explained, “As far as the Assembly is concerned, the Assembly supports all constitutionally recognized security agencies. We have not seen any reason why the House should commence any impeachment processes.” He added that there was no concrete evidence indicating that the governor impeded the security agencies’ constitutional duties.
Efforts to contact the Special Adviser on Media to the Kogi State Governor, Ismaila Isah, were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off. However, Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information, refuted reports alleging that Governor Ododo assisted Bello in evading security operatives who sought to arrest him.
Fanwo, in an interview with Channels TV on Thursday, asserted, “Governor Ododo did not assist in Bello’s departure from his residence; the EFCC’s claims are misinformation aimed at furthering their objectives. Bello is not evading anyone; the existing court injunction protects his fundamental rights.”
