Human rights lawyer Deji Ajare has called on the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Umar Yusuf, to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Usman Ododo. The call comes amidst allegations of misconduct and abuse of office.
Ajare’s request, made in a letter addressed to the speaker through the House clerk, stems from the use of the governor’s motorcade to transport the former governor, Yahaya Bello, away from his residence in Abuja. This action, according to Ajare, amounts to harboring a fugitive, obstruction of justice, and misuse of state resources.
The incident occurred when the EFCC sought to arrest Bello in connection with an N80.2 billion money laundering case. Following his escape, the EFCC declared Bello wanted, and the Nigeria Immigration Service placed him on its watchlist. The Inspector General of Police also ordered the withdrawal of all police units attached to the former governor.
In his letter, Ajare urged the assembly to cooperate with the EFCC and ensure all individuals involved are available for questioning and investigations. He stated that if proven true, these actions constitute gross misconduct and warrant immediate investigation and impeachment proceedings.
Ajare also called on the Kogi State House of Assembly to conduct a thorough inquiry into the allegations as per Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution. He stressed the need for accountability and cooperation with law enforcement agencies to facilitate a smooth investigation.
The alleged misconduct according to the lawyer, is of considerable impact on the people of the state and calls for swift and decisive action from the House of Assembly. He expressed trust in the assembly’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and laws of the land for the betterment of the state and its people.
However, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mohammed Yabagi, stated that neither the Clerk nor the Speaker had received Ajare’s letter. Yabagi noted that the House had not found valid reasons to begin impeachment proceedings against the governor, as there was no evidence that Ododo prevented security agencies from arresting Bello.
Reacting to this, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, equally refuted reports that Ododo helped Bello evade arrest. Fanwo said the governor is committed to upholding the country’s laws and respecting its legal processes.
