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Tag: impeachment

  • Court restrains Rivers lawmakers from impeaching Fubara

    Court restrains Rivers lawmakers from impeaching Fubara

    A Rivers State High Court of Isiokpo Division, on Wednesday, issued an interim injunction, restraining the state House of Assembly and the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, from impeaching Gov. Siminalayi Fubara.

    Also restrained by the court are the Deputy Speaker, the Clerk and the state Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi.

    The Presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Ben Whyte, issued the order, following the deposition of the Motion Ex Parte, filed by Mr Damian Okoro (SAN) on behalf of the governor against the defendants.

    The court further restrained “the defendants and their agents, privies, proxies and representatives from initiating, continuing or proceeding with the process of the removal of the claimant from office as the governor of Rivers.”

    The defendants were also restrained by the order of the court from “interfacing with and/or preventing the claimant from carrying out the duties and functions of his office as governor, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.’’

    Moreover, the judge ordered the parties in the case to maintain the status quo by not doing anything in furtherance of the purported impeachment of the applicant as governor.

    The case was later adjourned to November 14, for hearing.

  • BREAKING: Rivers Assembly serves impeachment notice on Gov. Fubara

    BREAKING: Rivers Assembly serves impeachment notice on Gov. Fubara

    The Rivers State House of Assembly has begun the process of impeaching the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

    To this end, the State’s lawmakers served an impeachment notice on Fubara after removing the House Leader, Edison Ehie, who is believed to be on the Governor’s side.

    Twenty-four out of 32 members of Rivers Assembly have signed the document for Fubara’s impeachment.

    The decisions were taken at an emergency sitting by the lawmakers on Monday morning. The unusual sitting took place between 7am and 9am on Monday.

  • UPDATE: Watch Gov Fubara speak on teargassing incident

    UPDATE: Watch Gov Fubara speak on teargassing incident

    Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has broke silence on the water-spraying and tear-gassing incident while he was on his way to the State House of Assembly Complex on Monday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Fubara was reportedly water-sprayed and tear-gassed while on his way to the State House of Assembly Complex on Monday.

    Speaking shortly after the incident, the Governor accused the security agencies in the State of compromise.

    “From what I have seen the security agency is even compromised. They were shooting at me directly but it doesn’t matter, somebody will die one day.

    “When people here ask who is this Fubara? He is that man that was killed for his struggle. I am not against anybody. I’m not planning anything against anybody that I don’t know where these things are coming from.

    “Let it be put on record that whoever masterminded this is trying to shift… I heard some people gathered to do whatever. That is purely rubbish.

    “You can’t sit when there is problem and say you are doing anything. What are you doing? I’m the chief security officer. I’m the head of the government… whatever action that is taken here is null and void.

    “For our good people, I know you are prayerful. You have been praying for me. God will see us to the end,” Fubara said.

    Watch Governor Fubara address the incident below:

     

  • Fire guts Rivers Assembly amid threat to impeach Gov Fubara

    Fire guts Rivers Assembly amid threat to impeach Gov Fubara

    The Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) was on Sunday night  set ablaze by yet to be known political thugs over the alleged move to impeach the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara and Leader of the House, Edison Ehie.

    Recall that civil society group, Coalition of Democratic Vanguard (CDV), recently  issued a strong  warning to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike and his allies who are allegedly seeking to impeach  Fubara and Ehie.

    However, it was  gathered that some thugs in a white Hilux van invaded the assembly complex at about 9.00pm yesterday, disarmed the security personnel on duty and allegedly  carried out the act.

    Findings show that the incident occurred at the assembly complex, opposite the Headquarters of the State Command Police, on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

    There were speculations that the legislature had concluded plans to impeach Gov. Fubara and Ehie today at it resumed sitting following some undisclosed issues.

    A security source, who pleaded anonymity and confirmed the incident, said it took efforts of police and the State Fire Service teams to put out the fire.

    The source said: “Yes, the Rivers State House of Assembly main chamber was under attack and set on fire. It was police men and the fire service team that helped to put out the fire.”

    Meanwhile, CDV  had earlier issued a statement, “warning Nyesom Wike and his allies  against moves to  impeach Governor Fubara and  Ehie.

    The coalition in the statement signed by Mr Thompson Orumbo (Chairman) and Peter Nwabunna (Secretary), condemned any attempt to undermine the democratic process and urged all parties involved to respect the will of the people and prioritise the betterment of Rivers State.

    They stated: “At the core of any functioning democracy lies the principle of free and fair elections, which provide citizens with the opportunity to choose their leaders, and Rivers people have chosen Sir Siminalayi Fubara. Impeachment attempts should be rooted in concrete evidence of wrongdoing and carried out only through legitimate channels, ensuring transparency and accountability.”

    “The Coalition emphasises that any attempts to impeach Governor Fubara and Ehie must adhere to the democratic principles, if not, it would be resisted by Rivers people.

    “Rivers State has made significant strides in the pursuit of development and stability under the leadership of Governor Fubara. The governor has championed policies and initiatives that have positively impacted the lives of the citizens. Political squabbles and power struggles should not hinder the progress, and the people’s mandate must be respected.”

    The Coalition further urged  “Nyesom Wike and his co-travellers to prioritise the interests of the people and set aside personal and political interest.”
    “The said that the unity and stability of Rivers State should be the primary goal, with cooperative efforts dedicated to achieving sustained development, improved infrastructure, and the welfare of its citizens.

    “Should Nyesom Wike and his co-travellers have genuine concerns regarding the performance or integrity of Governor Fubara and Edison Ehie, they should first present concrete evidence through appropriate channels such as investigations or inquiries. This would ensure that any actions taken are based on facts instead of subjective perceptions or personal motives,” the coalition added.

    Fubara, a former Accountant General of the state, was chosen by Wike to become the governor of the state.

  • Ondo Assembly suspends Aiyedatiwa’s impeachment

    Ondo Assembly suspends Aiyedatiwa’s impeachment

    The Ondo State House of Assembly on Tuesday announced the suspension of the impeachment process against the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The lawmakers resolved to halt the impeachment process after a closed-door meeting with Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

    The APC leadership had set up a nine-man reconciliation committee led by the former governor of Kastina state, Aminu Masari, to reconcile all aggrieved members of the party in the state.

    Aiyedatiwa had been under the threat of impeachment by the State House of Assembly over allegations of gross misconduct and had been served a notice of impeachment.

    Addressing newsmen after the closed-door meeting, which lasted for about two hours, Ganduje and the State Assembly Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, announced the suspension of the impeachment process.

    The meeting had in attendance members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), its Ondo State chairman, Ade Adetimehin and 18 out of the 22 APC lawmakers led by the Speaker.

    Speaking after the meeting, the chairman of the reconciliation committee said: “For now, the probe and impeachment processes have been suspended to allow room for the committee to work.

    “We met with all stakeholders, except for the governor, who we are still making effort to see,” Masari said.

    The Speaker of the Assembly, who explained that the lawmakers were in Abuja at the instance of Ganduje and the reconciliation committee, said that they were ready to cooperate with the party.

    “We promised to work with the national chairman and the chairman of the reconciliation committee to find a lasting solution to the political crisis in Ondo State.

    “We gave a promise that on our part, we are ready to cooperate as an arm of government with the party.

    “At the same time, whenever they want to meet us, we will be of help to the committee. More importantly, we will allow the committee to do their work without hitches.

    “Apart from that, we believe this is the only political solution that will be of help to resolve the crisis in party’s Ondo State chapter,” he said.

    Ganduje while appreciating all stakeholders in the crisis for allowing political solution to the impasse, said the decision by the lawmakers to ceasefire showed they are democrats and committed party faithful.

    He thanked the speaker and the lawmakers for honouring the invitation to have an indepth discussion and receive an interim report from the reconciliation committee.

    “This is proof that you are real democrats, civilised and believe in conflict resolution.

    “I have to thank the State Assembly for agreeing to suspend the impeachment process and give room for political solution to the problem.

    “As the reconciliation chairman has mentioned, they haven’t met the governor and his deputy yet, but they met all the stakeholders. That was what warranted today’s meeting.

    “And now, having suspended the impeachment process, they have created a conducive environment to continue dialoguing. We believe that we will reach a political solution,” Ganduje said.

    He added that APC as a political party, is an institution that is indispensable to democracy.

    He explained that apart from its basic function for recruitment of membership, elected officers and appointed officers, its responsibility is to see that democratic ethics are followed.

    He added that it is also the responsibility of the party to ensure that crisis within its fold are averted both in its governed states, at sub national level and at international level.

    He further said the crisis in the party’s Ondo State chapter is political, saying that as a political institution, it will not fold its arms and allow it to continue.

  • Impeachment: Ajulo calls for ceasefire, reconciliation amid ongoing plot against Ondo Deputy Gov.

    Impeachment: Ajulo calls for ceasefire, reconciliation amid ongoing plot against Ondo Deputy Gov.

    Dr Kayode Ajulo (SAN), a constitutional lawyer, has appealed to stakeholders and elders in the state to intervene and resolve the looming impeachment threat against the Deputy Governor of Ondo State.

    Ajulo said this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday against the backdrop of the political turmoil gripping Ondo State.

    He said the unfolding crisis has cast a shadow over the state’s political landscape and disrupted its governance, particularly due to the extended absence of Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu.

    He added that this is coupled with the ongoing impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatwa.

    Ajulo said he believed in Ondo State’s inherent ability to overcome these challenges independently.

    He, therefore, urged key stakeholders to establish a reconciliation committee aimed at restoring stability to the state and the welfare of its citizens.

    “This intervention is necessary following my interactions with several stakeholders in the State in recent times, which indicated that there is room for reconciliation of issues.

    The calls for this have been from within and outside of the country. Everyone is watching, and no sensible and reasonable soul and a patriotic citizen could ignore the palpable development in the State.”

    He said the State needed to move forward to ensure that the welfare, well-being, and security of the people of the state were paramount.

    Ajulo said that the protracted challenges faced by Ondo State are adversely affecting its citizens’ well-being and hampering overall progress.

    He said, while governance continues, conflicting interests had created hurdles for the state.

    To address this crisis, Ajulo called for the establishment of a reconciliation committee, comprising representatives from both the political class and the public.

    He proposed a committee composition that includes respected state elders, former leaders, religious figures, and representatives of the youth and women.

    Ajulo vehemently opposed the notion of external intervention, adding that Ondo State must take the lead in resolving its internal issues.

    He warned against allowing the National Assembly to step in, as this could impede the state’s development.

    He urged all stakeholders to heed the call for a reconciliation committee as a sign of their deep commitment to the state’s well-being.

    He added that this was an appeal for a peaceful, state-led solution to the challenges facing Ondo State.

  • Impeachment process against Aiyedatiwa still ongoing – Ondo Assembly

    Impeachment process against Aiyedatiwa still ongoing – Ondo Assembly

    The Ondo State House Assembly has denied what it described as “some distorted news story” stating that it had suspended the impeachment of the state Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The House said it will carry the impeachment through to a logical conclusion in order to determine the veracity or otherwise of the “monumental allegations of gross misconduct against the Deputy Governor.”

    In a statement signed by its lawyer, Femi Emodamori on Saturday, the Ondo Assembly noted that it has followed the impeachment processes as provided in the Constitution to the stage where the Chief Judge is required to constitute a 7-man panel to look into the allegations levelled against the Deputy Governor.

    It stated that the Chief Judge replied and stated that he received an ex parte order which the Deputy-Governor secured from the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court on 26th September, 2023, ‘restraining’ his lordship from setting up the Panel, pending when the Court would hear all the parties in the case to determine the merit of the application or the case filed by the Deputy-Governor.

    The House added that it is promptly taking the necessary legal steps to vacate or quash the order and/or the entire suit at the Federal High Court, in order to untie the hands of the Chief Judge and proceed with the impeachment to a logical conclusion.

    See full statement below:

    Our Client, the Ondo State House of Assembly, has brought some distorted news story stating that it had “suspended” the impeachment of the State Deputy Governor, to our attention.

    The House reaffirmed that it has not “suspended” the impeachment process as inaccurately reported, and will carry same through to a logical conclusion in order to determine the veracity or otherwise of the monumental allegations of gross misconduct against the Deputy Governor.

    Impeachment is a constitutional process clearly outlined in section 188 (1)-(11) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and our Client has meticulously complied with all the stages leading up to the obligation placed on the State Chief Judge to set up a 7-man Panel to investigate the allegations, as stipulated in Section 188(5) of the Constitution.

    The notice of allegations of gross misconduct was signed by 11 members of the House and presented to its Speaker on 20th September, 2023 in strict compliance with Section 188(2) of the Constitution, which requires at least one-third of the 26 House members to sign and present the notice to the Speaker. That is the first stage in an impeachment process.

    The Speaker in turn served the notice on the Deputy Governor on 25th September, 2023, and also caused same to be served on all the other members of the House, in strict compliance with the same Section 188(2) of the Constitution which requires him to do so within seven days.That was the second stage.

    The third stage, as stated in Section 188(3) of the Constitution, requires two-third majority of the members to pass a motion within 14 days after the notice of allegation(s) of gross misconduct was first presented to the Speaker, for the investigation of the allegation (s) and request the State Chief Judge to set up the 7-man Panel to investigate same.

    Our Client meticulously complied with the said Section 188(3) of the Constitution. In fact, 23 out of its 26 members (more than the minimum two-third majority required) passed that motion on 3rd October, 2023.
    Section 188(5) of the Constitution further states that after the motion is passed by the two-third majority, the Speaker should formally request the State Chief Judge to set up the Seven-man Panel.

    The Speaker diligently complied with this on the same 3rd October when the motion was passed.

    It was at this stage that His Lordship, the Honourable Chief Judge of Ondo State, replied the House, stating that he received an ex parte Order which the Deputy-Governor secured from the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court on 26th September, 2023, ‘restraining’ his lordship from setting up the Panel, pending when the Court would hear all the parties in the case to determine the merit of the application or the case filed by the Deputy-Governor.

    For the avoidance of doubt, Section 188(10) of the Constitution clearly states that “The proceedings or determination of the House or Panel or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall not be questioned or entertained in any court”, and there are too many judgments of the highest courts in Nigeria affirming that no court has the jurisdiction to dabble into an impeachment process, as long as the House of Assembly complies with all the constitutional process.

    The Honourable Chief Judge himself stated in his widely reported reply to my Client, that his lordship was not unmindful of the above provisions of Section 188(10) of the Constitution and even quoted it verbatim.
    His lordship however stated that as a Chief Judge, he would prefer that the ex parte Order, which his lordship believes “tied his hand”, should first be vacated or set aside. The Chief Judge obviously prefers to err on the side of caution.

    The position of our Client, therefore, and contrary to the inaccurate press report, is that in spite of their reservations about the position of the Honourable Chief Judge in the face of the clear provisions of Section 188(10) of the Constitution and the judgments of the appellate courts stating that no court has the power to question or entertain any matter relating to the impeachment, they would, for now, show sufficient understanding of the delicate position the Hon. Chief Judge has found himself, by promptly taking the necessary legal steps to vacate or quash the order and/or the entire suit at the Federal High Court, in order to untie the hands of his lordship and proceed with the impeachment to a logical conclusion.

    The general public would recall that a similar suit instituted by the same Deputy Governor on the same subject matter at the Ondo State High Court was dismissed on 10th October, 2023 for constituting an abuse of Court process, following a preliminary objection which we filed on behalf of our Client.

    E-signed.

    Femi Emmanuel Emodamori
    (14th October, 2023).

  • Impeachment: Drama as Ondo Assembly counsel denies writing petition against Abuja judge

    Impeachment: Drama as Ondo Assembly counsel denies writing petition against Abuja judge

    There was a mild drama at Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, as counsel to the Ondo House of Assembly, F. E. Emodamori, denied being the author of a petition written against Justice Emeka Nwite at National Judicial Council (NJC).

    Emodamori, who appeared for the state assembly and its Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, refuted the allegation levelled against him by Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, lawyer to the embattled Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Nwite had, on Sept. 26, restrained the Ondo State assembly and its speaker from impeaching Aiyedatiwa, over alleged gross misconduct pending the hearing and determination of the interlocutory application.

    The judge gave the interim order in a ruling shortly after Kayode Adewusi, counsel who appeared for Aiyedatiwa, moved the ex-parte motion to the effect.

    The judge also restrained Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu from nominating a new deputy governor and forwarding the name of same to the lawmakers for an approval as the state’s new deputy governor based on a letter of resignation purportedly authored or signed by Aiyedatiwa.

    The deputy governor had, in an ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1294/2023, sued the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police and the the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Others joined in the suit are Gov. Akeredoku, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Judge of Ondo State and the House of Assembly as 1st to 6th respondents respectively.

    In the application dated and filed by Adelanke Akinrata on Sept. 21, Aiyedatiwa sought for four reliefs.

    The judge, after granting the reliefs, fixed today for hearing of the motion on notice.

    Upon resumed hearing on Monday, Adegboruwa informed the court development about the matter.

    He said on Oct. 6, the All Progressives Congress (APC) set up a reconciliation committee headed by former Katsina State governor to settle the issues.

    “In line with extant practice and procedure of this honourable court to encourage parties to promote settlement, it is our humble view that the court allows and encourage the reconciliation effort as the continued prosecution of this suit may be hostile to those efforts,” he said.

    Besides, Adegboruwa said on Oct. 3, the speaker and the assembly (4th and 6th defendants) submitted a petition to NJC “accusing this very court of compromise and deploying all manners of unprintable epithets against the court.”

    He said the petition is still pending before the NJC

    “The consequence of that petition is to express lack of confidence in this honourable court.

    “And if the allegations are investigated and found to be correct  God forbid, the consequence will be that this court may not be in the position to proceed on the determination of this suit,” he said.

    The senior lawyer, therefore, prayed the court to direct the speaker and the assembly, through their counsel, Emodamori, to serve all parties in the suit with the said petition in order for them to respond too.

    He also prayed the court to direct them to stop further attack on the judge

    “I watched on television news where they described my lord as ‘a certain judge,’” he said.

    Adegboruwa said that the derogatory comment was also confirmed in a letter dated Sept. 29 and authored by Emodamori to the state’s chief judge.

    He, therefore, urged the court to adjourn the suit sine die (indefinitely) to await the outcomes of the APC reconciliatory effort and the petition file to the NJC.

    But Kassim Gbadamosi, SAN, counsel to Akeredolu, who objected to indefinite adjournment, said Ondo State was not a one-party state.

    He said the APC’s move was only to reconcile Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa which did not affect other political parties which made up the assembly.

    “They cannot impose their whims on the house which has APC, PDP, Labour Party and APGA,” he said.

    He also said whatever allegations Adegboruwa raised about media engagement were mere documentary hearsay.

    “Your lordship should take it with a pinch of the salt,” he said.

    He equally said he had not seen the petition against the judge, describing it as hearsay.

    “My learner friend did not even bring a copy of the petition, so it should be regarded as hearsay my lord,” he said.

    He said giving an indefinite adjournment in a matter of this nature is like giving judgment on the matter which had not been heard, going by the earlier interim order.

    Gbadamosi prayed the court to refuse the application.

    He said instead, the court should order parties to address it on whether it has jurisdiction to hear the matter.

    Making his submission, Emodamori denied calling Nwite “certain judge “

    “Speaking from the utmost duty of a counsel to speak the truth from the bar, I want to say with all categorical assertion that I never used and will never use or encourage any one to use such derogatory language or gutter language against your lordship either in the letter the learner silk referred to or in any media interaction on the subject matter,” he said.

    Emodamori admitted that the speaker and the assembly indeed wrote a petition against the judge, but denied being the author.

    “It was authored by the 6th defendant (house of assembly) and signed by the 4th defendant (speaker) and not counsel.

    “Regrettably my lord, it was in that petition that that unacceptable language ‘certain judge’ was used.

    “It was used regrettably by the parties who authored the petition.

    “So I will never use that language. My learner silk knows that I also have respect for him.

    “He is one of my own role models. I am shocked that the same person alleged this against me,” he said.

    Justice Nwite, who condemned the act, said it was unfortunate that lawyers would allow themselves to be used by politicians to denigrate the court.

    “I know how I have managed my career, to build my carry as a judge.

    “Why should somebody in his own opinion decide to dent my image which I have built for long.

    “If you know that you are not comfortable with that interim order, you approach the court and apply that it should be varied.

    “The  Nigerian Bar Association too is not helping matters. When you see this kind of things, you asked what is the need?

    “Anybody who has been following my adjudication will know that I am not the kind of judge who can compromise. It is quite regrettable,” he said.

    The judge adjourned the matter until Oct. 16 to rule on whether the matter be adjourned indefinately or not.

    He also ordered that hearing notices be served on the I-G and the DSS, who were not represented in court.

    NAN

  • Ondo: APC moves to reconcile Gov Akeredolu, deputy

    Ondo: APC moves to reconcile Gov Akeredolu, deputy

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated a reconciliation committee to address the crisis rocking the Ondo State chapter, leading to the impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor.

    Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC National Chairman performed the ceremony on Friday in Abuja.

    “Since the return of democracy in 1979, we have documented a number of disagreements between principals, governors, and their deputies, leading to impeachment or resignation and to very uncomplimentary relationship.

    “We are interested in ensuring a peaceful coexistence and a good working relationship between the state governor and his deputy,” Ganduje said.

    He said that this was the essence of the committee which he said comprised people with vast experience and cognitive knowledge on the issues in the state.

    “This is a solid team that is well qualified to look into this issue and give appropriate recommendations to the party’s leadership,” the APC national chairman said.

    He said the committee was expected to interface with all contending people in the state.

    This, he added was with a view to gathering facts and circumstances surrounding the lingering impeachment process of the Ondo deputy governor.

    Ganduje said the committee was also to advise the party on the most amicable ways of handling the lingering issues leading to the impeachment process of the deputy governor.

    He said the committee also had the mandate to make necessary recommendations on resolution of issues and any other matter that may come up in the course of its assignment.

    “The committee has one week after its inauguration to submit its recommendation. We already sent a message that all further actions and processes should stop on this issue,” Ganduje said.

    Responding, Alhaji Aminu Masari, the chairman of the committee, assured that the committee would do its best to come up with lastings on Ondo APC problems.

    “I had a privilege of working harmoniously with Ondo State deputy governor, we had no rancour or disagreement, our relationship is still up to this moment.

    “Our committee will look at issues disspationately. We will put in the very best in working for the party and its members. We will work with it to achieve the objectives set for us.

    Other members of the committee included the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, Sen. Jack Tilley Gyado, Sen. Tanko Almakura, Mr. Martins Elechi, Malam Mohammed

  • Impeachment: Ondo Assembly directs CJ to constitute 7-man panel on deputy gov

    Impeachment: Ondo Assembly directs CJ to constitute 7-man panel on deputy gov

    The Ondo State House of Assembly on Tuesday said the deputy governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had failed to respond to the letter of Notice served on him on Sept. 25 over allegations of gross misconduct.

    The Speaker, Mr Olamide Oladiji, said the letter of Notice was received on behalf of Aiyedatiwa by his Chief Protocol Officer.

    Speaking at the plenary session in Akure, Oladiji said the house resolution that the deputy governor should be duly served a Notice of the allegations, was in line with Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution.

    “Concerted efforts were made to serve the Notice on the deputy governor, who for some time was not available for the service, prompting the House to approach the court for a substituted service on the deputy governor.

    “On 25th of September, a substituted service of the Notice of allegations was made on the deputy governor duly signed by more than one-third Honourable Members of the House as required by the Constitution in Section 188 Sub-section 2,” he stated.

    According to him, the Constitution stipulates that the assembly should wait for seven days for the embattled deputy governor to respond which has lapse.

    The speaker directed the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, to immediately set up a seven-man panel to investigate the deputy governor on the allegations levelled against him.

    “Distinguished colleagues, Section 188 of the Constitution states further that the deputy governor has 7 days within which to reply to the allegations levelled against him.

    “The Constitution states further that within seven days of the passing of a motion under the foregoing provisions of this section, the Chief Judge of the state shall at the request of the Speaker of the House of Assembly appoint a panel of seven persons.

    “Distinguished colleagues, I, therefore, wish to seek your opinion to direct the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Hon. Justice Olusegun Odusola, to in line with this section of the Constitution, set up a seven-man panel to investigate the deputy governor on the allegations levelled against him,” he said.

    The House, with available 23 out of 26 members at the plenary session through voice vote, gave a nod for the chief judge to constitute the panel.

    Earlier, the Majority Leader, Mr Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, (Owo 1-APC), moved the motion for the Notice on the Ondo State Impeachment Panel Procedure Rules that the panel be constituted by the chief judge of the state.

    The motion was seconded by Mr Felix Afe (Akoko North West 2-PDP).