Impeachment in Kogi: It’s heinous breach of constitution – Abaribe

The minority leader of the Senate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has alleged the impeachment of Kogi state Deputy Governor, Mr Simon Achuba, by the state House of Assembly is heinous breach of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.

The member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the impeachment is a direct affront on the constitution, noting any such act is not only anti-democratic but weakens the very foundations of the country.

“The 1999 constitution (as amended) is the ground norm of the country and the Kogi assembly has committed a heinous breach of this sacred document”.

In a statement issued Monday in Abuja, Abaribe urged President Muhammadu Buhari to rise above party affiliations and sentiment by intervening to ensure the country’s constitution was not only protected but the nation’s democracy.

He therefore called on the president to intervene in the impeachment of Kogi state deputy governor by the state House of Assembly, especially if the authorities in Kogi state failed to do so.

“Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended is very emphatic in the circumstance that is to say that the State Assembly shall cease any further proceedings in the impeachment process.

“Specifically, Section 188(8) states 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.

“So, where did the Kogi State Assembly members derive the power to move ahead with the process? “Has Nigeria not been reduced to this rudderless state with this disdainful attitude to our laws and democratic ethos?’’

He described as `reprehensible’ the deliberate denigration of the country’s constitution by the Kogi state assembly that failed to adhere to constitutional provisions instead chose to go ahead with the impeachment.

Accordingly, Senator Abaribe advised judges in Kogi, particularly the Chief Justice, to lrean from the Imo state experience and shun any invitation to swear-in a new deputy governor in whatever guise.

He expressed sadness over the failure of the assembly to observe the recommendation of the panel set up by the State Chief Judge to investigate Achuba, which returned a no-guilty verdict.

Further, Abaribe warned against breach of the constitution for petty political reasons, saying by that action of the Kogi state assembly, the very foundations of the country had been utterly shaken.

“The 1999 Constitution as amended is the ground norm of the country and the Kogi Assembly has committed a heinous breach of this sacred document.

“If their illegal action is sustained, then it strikes at the heart of democracy in Nigeria. We must do the right thing and Nigeria must not be seen as a lawless country.

“I call on institutions of democracy to urgently activate the right principles in the defence of our democracy. Kogi assembly should look beyond now and stop this illegality”, he added.

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