Posted by From Mohammed Bashir, Lokoja on
The Kogi State House of Assembly yesterday impeached its Deputy Speaker Hon. Aduku Ojodale and Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Mustapha Abdulkareem Alladey.
The Kogi State House of Assembly yesterday impeached its Deputy Speaker Hon. Aduku Ojodale and Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Mustapha Abdulkareem Alladey.
The two principal officers were impeached, following a vote of no confidence passed by the majority and read by Hon. philip Orebiyi. Ojodale and Alladey, who have since been replaced, were members representing Idah and Lokoja one constituencies.
The Assembly has sworn in Hon. Ismail Hussaini as Deputy Speaker and Hon. Danladi Bababudon as Deputy Majority Leader.
According to the Majority Leader, Hon. Abdulrahaman Tanko, the impeached officers were removed on insinuations that they did not carry along members of their committees.
Tanko said change was inevitable, especially when an officer goes against the rules of the House.
Reacting to the allegation that the impeached officers were opposed to the governorship ambition of the Speaker, he said the Speaker never informed any member of the House of such intentions.
In a telephone convensation with our correspondent, Hon. Yakubu Yunusa, representing Ofu Constituency, described the removal of the officials as undemocratic. He said no cogent reasons were stated for their removal.
'The only reason however not mentioned at the floor of that House was that the officers were against the governorship ambition of the Speaker. If not, as far as I am concerned, there was no any reason for their removal.
'Even when I objected to their removal, the Speaker ignored my objection. It is unfortunate that such an honourable House can be blindfolded,' Hon. Yumusa added.
Alladey told The Nation that he was never opposed to the Speaker's governorship ambition. He said he was removed because he (Alladey) was against the impeachment of the Deputy Speaker.
The former Deputy Speaker declined comments on his removal.
But the Speaker said: 'I cannot speak with you because the fresh thing I am having in my hand is yet to be settled.'