I think Nigeria is heading to the state of nature where those in power are always right and Nigerian constitution is not supreme.
If not, how do you explain the action of Kogi State House of Assembly today (Friday) when it purported to have removed the Deputy Governor of Kogi state, Elder Simon Achuba, following the submission of the report of seven man panel to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct made against the Deputy Governor of by the Kogi State House of Assembly on the 7th of August 2019.
I do not want to argue the processes leading to the setting up of the panel. All I can say without fear or favour is that the seven man panel was made up of men of integrity and impeccable character.
After painstakingly hearing evidence for and against the Deputy Governor the panel came up with reports today that all the allegations levelled against the Deputy Governor of Kogi state were not proved. The report which is in public domain was submitted to the House today as required by the constitution.
Section 188(8) of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria provides that: “Where the Panel reports to the House of Assembly that the allegation has not been proved, no further proceedings shall be taken in respect of the matter”.
Despite this clear constitutional provision, the Kogi State House of Assembly purported today to have removed or impeached the Deputy Governor of Kogi state. Is kogi state House of Assembly bound by Nigerian constitution? What kind of country is Nigeria where Nigerian constitution is ignored and bye passed for primordial partisan interest?
I think loyalty is not to Nigerian constitution but personal selfish interest of political emperor of the state. Must we desecrate our constitution to satisfy personal egoism of individuals.
Honestly the Nigeria state is heading to the state of nature where rule of law means nothing to political hooligans.
– Jibrin S. Okutepa (SAN)
