… NBA kicks, calls for restraint
Kogi State’s newly-appointed Deputy Governor, Mr Edward Onoja, has expressed deep appreciation and unalloyed loyalty to his appointor, Gov. Yahaya Bello.
Onoja, who until recently his elevation was the governor’s Chief of Staff, told newsmen shortly after taking oath of office in Lokoja on Monday: “Today His Excellency has a `new brand’ (sic) deputy governor.’’
“Let us continue to build a prosperous, united Kogi State and join hands with the governor for the November 16 governorship election in the state.’’
“I thank the governor for the trust and for appointing me as his deputy,’’ Onoja said excitedly.
Meanwhile, lawyers and other stakeholders have reacted to the impeachment of Mr Simon Achuba by the State House of Assembly at Monday’s special plenary few hours after receiving the report of the Judicial Panel constituted to investigate the allegations Bello levelled against Achuba.
Persecondnews leant that the report failed to indict the former deputy governor, who has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the matter ahead of the November 16 polls.
He has also vowed to challenge his removal in the law court.
Achuba had accused Bello of withholding his salaray and allowances amounting to over N800 million in the last few years.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) says it rejected the impeachment of Achuba by the State House of Assembly.
The national body of NBA described the impeachment as illegal and unconstitutional, saying it is against the findings of the probe panel raised by the State Chief Judge which cleared Achuba of wrongdoings.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kunle Edun, the lawyers said they viewed the events with serious concerns and urged all parties to exercise great caution.
“Available information indicates that the Honorable Chief Judge of Kogi State in the exercise of his constitutional powers and pursuant to a Resolution of the Kogi State House of Assembly, constituted a 7 man panel, chaired by Mr. John Baiyeshea, SAN, to investigate the allegations of misconduct against the Deputy Governor of Kogi State.
“The said Investigation Panel has since submitted its report to the Kogi State House of Assembly, finding the Deputy Governor not guilty and cleared him of all the allegations made against him.
“The Nigerian Bar Association views these events with great concerns and urges all parties to exercise great caution.
“Any action to be taken by the interested parties should be guided by dictates of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the need to adhere to the Rule of law. Parties concerned should also avoid any act that may pose a threat to the peace and security of Kogi State,’’ the statement read in part.
The NBA said it was incumbent on all Nigerians, public officials and public institutions to ensure full compliance and adherence to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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