A Civil Society group, African Civil Society Forum (AFRICSOF), has advised the Ondo State Assembly to allow due process and strict adherence to the rule of law to guide its actions in the impeachment notice served on the embattled Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Chairman, Governing Board of the Forum, Dr Tunji John Asaolu, gave the advice on Tuesday at a press briefing in Abuja.
Tribune Online checks revealed that a Federal High Court in Abuja had since given an order, restraining the House from proceeding with the impeachment until the court determines a suit filed by Aiyedatiwa.
But the House has said the court cannot stop the exercise, as it submitted that its stance to proceed with the impeachment is protected by the Nigerian Constitution against the interference of courts.
The House also responded to another suit filed by Mr Aiyedatiwa before the State High Court, describing it as an abuse of the court process.
Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, insisted that “the impeachment process would continue in line with the 1999 Constitution since the deputy governor failed to respond within seven days stipulated by the law.”
Making reference to the Abuja Federal High Court Order, Asaolu appealed to the Ondo State lawmakers not to take action that could contravene pronouncements of competent courts of law.
He also noted that against the background of a specific order of interlocutory injunction, the Ondo House of Assembly should not give the impression that it was on a mission of political witch-hunt against the Ondo State Deputy Governor.
He said: “We express our deep concern over the steps taken by the lawmakers to impeach the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, based on allegations. While we do not condone any form of misconduct or impeachment per se, but we firmly believe that impeachment proceedings must be conducted in stringent accordance with the law and clear constitutional provisions that govern the country, Nigeria.
“In as much as we agreed that the Ondo State House of Assembly is meant to make laws for the state, they should also be mindful of the fact that there is an ongoing Court injunction and the nine-man reconciliation committee under the leadership of HE. Rt. Hon. Aminu Masari, a former governor of Katsina State set up by the All-Progressive Congress (APC) at the National level.
“On September 26, 2023, the Federal High court seating in Abuja also made orders of injunction restraining the House of Assembly of Ondo State, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, the Ondo Governor and indeed other defendants in the case from taking steps that would lead to the impeachment of the Deputy Governor.
“The court made the order to last till the hearing of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction, which is still pending before the court. In consequence, parties would have to await the determination of the court as the orders made remain in force. All these should be taken into consideration and serve as a caution to guide the decision of the Assembly.
“We strongly oppose the use of legislative chambers as platforms for political witch-hunts or targeted vendettas or wars. We urge all stakeholders involved to ensure that justice is pursued, and constitutional principles are adhered to, rather than allowing personal conflicts and ambitions to overshadow the pursuit of the common good.
“It is disheartening to witness the ongoing rift within the corridors of power in Ondo State, particularly between the State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu versus the State House of Assembly, and the Deputy Governor. Such discord should not divert attention from the vital issues of good governance and the well-being of the state’s citizens.
“The neglect of governance resulting from this political crisis has had a devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the people of Ondo State. We condemn this negligence as needless and avoidable, and we call for an immediate refocus on matters that directly affect the state’s fortunes and the welfare of its people.
“Let it be clear – that AFRICSOF and the people of Ondo State will not give their approval to actions driven by sinister motives aimed at settling personal political scores and undermining the state and its people. We caution against retooling the Ondo State House of Assembly as a mere enforcement arm of executive whims. Any such actions will face steadfast resistance from the people.
“AFRICSOF emphasizes the need for increased accountability in government and a return to prioritizing issues with a direct impact on the state’s prosperity and the welfare of its people. We call upon all stakeholders, both within and outside of Ondo State, to join us in safeguarding the principles that underpin our democracy, ensuring that Ondo State thrives as a beacon of good governance.
“We want to caution politicians to desist from activities that may destabilise Nigerian democracy. We encourage them to always imbibe the tenant of democracy and observe the rule of law for the overall interest of the country.
“We call on the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of State Security Service and indeed the Nigerian Judiciary to protect our democracy and ensure its sustainability.”
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