NASS urged to intervene in Ogun Assembly crisis

Following last week’s removal of the Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, a coalition of civil society has called on the National Assembly and all lovers of democracy to intervene in the crisis, saying the impeachment of Oluomo did not follow due process. The coalition under the aegis of Coalition of Civil […]

Following last week’s removal of the Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, a coalition of civil society has called on the National Assembly and all lovers of democracy to intervene in the crisis, saying the impeachment of Oluomo did not follow due process.

The coalition under the aegis of Coalition of Civil Society Against Impunity said the circumstances of his removal raised serious concerns about the seeming abuse of rule of law.

It would be recalled that 18 lawmakers of the house had on Tuesday last week impeached the Speaker over allegations of “highhandedness, lack of focus and transparency, arrogance and poor leadership style, among others.”

However, the coalition in a press conference held in Lagos by its leader, Comrade Shina Loremikan said the speaker “was purportedly impeached by 18 out of the 26 members of the house of Assembly on the 23rd of January 2024 but was served a notice of impeachment on the 24th of January 2024 to answer to allegations as contained in the impeachment notice within 72 hours.”

“Now the critical question is why impeachment before services of notice of impeachment,” the CSO said.

He added, “The circumstances surrounding the removal of Honorable Olakunle Oluomo raise serious questions about the adherence to due process and legal procedures. It is the duty of elected representatives to uphold the rule of law, and any deviation from this fundamental principle erodes the trust of the public in the democratic process.

“It is imperative to state that the position of leaderships not excluding the speakership in the state house of assemblies is a legislative privilege to members not right which has a laid down constitutional procedure to attain such a leadership ladder, it is also very important to state, probably some have forgotten that removing any leader of the house of Assembly also follows due process and total adherence to the rule of law.”

The coalition however called for the reversal of the impeachment and to maintain the status quo more so when the matter has been challenged in court by the speaker.

“It is crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue cum possible court processes to find an amicable resolution to the current crisis. The Coalition encourages peaceful and lawful means to address grievances and disputes within the political landscape, as this strengthens the democratic fabric of the nation.

“The Coalition of Civil Society Against Impunity remains committed to monitoring the situation closely and will actively engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure the protection of democratic values and the rule of law in Ogun State.”

On his part, Comrade Declan Ihekaire said every lover of democracy must condemn the impeachment as it did not follow the laid down procedures.

“The law the legislature makes is what the executive and judiciary obey. So, if the arm of the government that makes law is now the same arm that is breaking law, then it’s worrisome. It’s unacceptable. It’s contrary to the principle of rule of law,” he said.