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Tag: impeachment

  • Court stops impeachment of Ondo State deputy governor

    Court stops impeachment of Ondo State deputy governor

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, restrained the Ondo State House of Assembly from impeaching the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over alleged gross misconduct.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling shortly after Aiyedatiwa’s counsel, Kayode Adewusi, moved the ex-parte motion to the effect.

    The judge also restrained Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu from nominating a new deputy governor and forwarded the same to the lawmakers for approval pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

    Justice Nwite held that after listening to Adewusi, he was of the view that the interest of justice would be met by granting the application.

    “Therefore, the application of the applicant succeeds,” he said.

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

    Others 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 Mr Adelanke Akinrata on Sept. 21, Aiyedatiwa sought four reliefs.

    The judge further made an order of interim injunction restraining Akeredolu, his servants or privies from harassing, intimidating, embarrassing, and preventing Aiyedatiwa from carrying out the functions of his office as deputy governor of Ondo State.

    Justice Nwite, who granted all the reliefs adjourned the matter until Oct. 9 for hearing.

    Aiyedatiwa had, also in another suit marked: AK/348/2023 prayed to the High Court in Akure to stop the state’s house of assembly from proceeding with the impeachment proceedings against him pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed in the court on Monday.

    NAN

  • I’ve not been served impeachment notice – Ondo deputy gov, Aiyedatiwa

    I’ve not been served impeachment notice – Ondo deputy gov, Aiyedatiwa

    The embattled Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, says he has not been served any impeachment notice by the state House of Assembly.

    Aiyedatiwa stated this in a statement he personally signed on Monday in Akure and made available to newsmen.

    The Assembly had on Wednesday during a plenary session, directed the clerk of the House to write the deputy governor over allegations of gross misconduct levelled against him.

    According to Aiyedatiwa, the statement was a response to a claim by Olatunji Oshati, Chairman, House Committee on Information, that he has been served an impeachment notice by the Assembly.

    “I find it especially worrying that the spokesman of the House of Assembly would go on national television to speak on such matter without any evidence to show that such letter has been delivered to me.

    “More disturbing is the fact that even when he was asked if the letter had been delivered, he gave no coherent answer.

    “A sensitive constitutional matter of this nature; impeachment process should not be conducted on the pages of newspapers and television screens.

    “In effect, I reiterate that if such letter of allegations of gross misconduct against me exists, I have not seen it and I have not been served.

    “I, therefore, urge Mr. Speaker, The Honourable Chief Judge of Ondo State, and members of the public to take note,” he said.

    The deputy governor concluded that he was “in the dark regarding any allegation” against him by the state House of Assembly.

  • BREAKING: Ondo Assembly moves to impeach deputy gov, Aiyedatiwa

    BREAKING: Ondo Assembly moves to impeach deputy gov, Aiyedatiwa

    The Ondo State House of Assembly has begun move to impeach the deputy governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The House accused the embattled deputy governor of being involved in some acts of gross misconduct while in office as the acting governor.

    To this end, at the plenary session on Wednesday, the directed the Clerk of the House, Mr Benjamin Jaiyeola, to communicate to Aiyedatiwa the allegations levelled against him.

    The petition which has been signed by Nine out of 26 Members of the House was read during the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr Olamide Oladiji.

    Details to follow…

  • ICYMI: Senate denies impeachment plot on Akpabio

    ICYMI: Senate denies impeachment plot on Akpabio

    The Senate has media refuted report that some Senators are planning to impeach the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.

    The Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu said this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

    “Our attention has just been drawn to a syndicated satanic verses in a section of the media, of purported and illusory plots of leadership change in the Senate.

    “The Nigerian Senate is one united and fraternal family,this imaginative composition is in the realm of the fake and fallacious story of 100 million per legislator.

    “It is apt to note that the10th Senate, under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio has carried out its legislative and constitutional duties diligently.

    “Within a span of less than 60 Legislative days, the Senate has passed life enhancing bills and motions,” he said.

    He added: ”It has screened and confirmed Service Chiefs and Ministers, among others, apart from very essential oversight functions.

    “We urge the fifth columnists, who operate undoubtedly outside the Senate, desperate to cause disharmony through media stunts and thus clipping the wings of Nigeria’s democracy, to take caution.

    ”The Senate should be allowed fresh air to settle down for its national assignments, so that the Nigerian project can move forward.”

    He urged the media to be discerning not to be used as hand tool by the retailers of fake and bad news.

  • Senate speaks on impeachment plot on Godswill Akpabio

    Senate speaks on impeachment plot on Godswill Akpabio

    The Senate has refuted media reports that some Senators are planning to impeach the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.

    The Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu said this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

    “Our attention has just been drawn to a syndicated satanic verses in a section of the media, of purported and illusory plots of leadership change in the Senate.

    “The Nigerian Senate is one united and fraternal family, this imaginative composition is in the realm of the fake and fallacious story of 100 million per legislator.

    “It is apt to note that the 10th Senate, under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio has carried out its legislative and constitutional duties diligently.

    “Within a span of less than 60 Legislative days, the Senate has passed life enhancing bills and motions,” he said.

    He added: ” It has screened and confirmed Service Chiefs and Ministers, among others, apart from very essential oversight functions.

    “We urge the fifth columnists, who operate undoubtedly outside the Senate, desperate to cause disharmony through media stunts and thus clipping the wings of Nigeria’s democracy, to take caution.

    ”The Senate should be allowed fresh air to settle down for its national assignments, so that the Nigerian project can move forward. ”

    He urged the media to be discerning and not to be used as hand tool by the retailers of fake and bad news.

  • Impeachment: Edo Deputy Gov withdraws suit against Obaseki

    Impeachment: Edo Deputy Gov withdraws suit against Obaseki

    The Deputy Governor of Edo, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has withdrawn the suit he slammed on Gov. Godwin Obaseki, seeking protection against his planned impeachment.

    Shaibu, in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday in Benin, said the withdrawal was as result of the intervention by well-meaning individuals in the state.

    The deputy governor had sought a restraining order against the governor, the Inspector General of Police, the State Security Service, Chief Judge of the state and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, against his removal from office.

    But in the statement, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Shaibu said he took the action as a result of the intervention of prominent indigenes of Edo.

    “Arising from the series of meetings held with me and also with Mr. Governor by well-meaning Edo indigenes, Nigerians and party leaders, traditional rulers, and my Archbishop, Most Rev. Dr Augustine Akubeze, the Archbishop of Benin Archdiocese, on the issues that led to my going to Court, I have instructed my solicitors to withdraw the suit forthwith.

    “I, Comrade Philip Shaibu, have authorized and instructed my solicitors to withdraw the suit forthwith,” he said.

    He commended well-meaning Nigerians, party leaders, traditional rulers and the Archbishop for their kind words, advice and encouragement in ensuring peace and unity in our State.

    Shaibu, however, appreciated Gov. Obaseki, whom he described as his boss, mentor and brother “for this path of peace”.

    Recall that Obaseki and his deputy have been engulfed in crisis over the successor battle in the forthcoming 2024 governorship election in the state.

    The fight culminated in stripping Shaibu of his supervisory roles at the revenue generation agencies, local government and sports.

  • U.S. House Speaker, top Republicans plan Biden impeachment inquiry for September – Reports

    U.S. House Speaker, top Republicans plan Biden impeachment inquiry for September – Reports

    U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other top Republican officials are in talks to advance an impeachment inquiry into U.S. President Joe Biden in September, CNN reported on Monday.

    McCarthy told top Republicans that he intends to initiate the impeachment inquiry by the end of next month, the report said, citing Republican sources familiar with the talks.

    McCarthy has previously hinted at the potential for an impeachment inquiry into Biden, threatening earlier this month to launch the process if documents are withheld from lawmakers investigating Biden and his family for alleged criminal activity.

    An impeachment inquiry would grant Congress increased authority to subpoena Biden for documents like bank and credit card statements that could reveal financial ties to foreign sources, McCarthy has said.

    However, Republican lawmakers do not ubiquitously support an impeachment inquiry, the report said.

    The party lacks the 218 votes needed to open an inquiry via floor vote, although there is no constitutional rule requiring they hold a vote, the report said.

    The potential inquiry would also launch as Congress pushes to secure government funding before the end of September to avoid a government shutdown.

  • Plot to impeach Gbajabiamila thickens as 160 lawmakers allegedly sign notice

    Plot to impeach Gbajabiamila thickens as 160 lawmakers allegedly sign notice

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila is fighting the battle of his life to escape the impeachment gale hovering around him as 160 aggrieved lawmakers sign notice.

    Despite allegedly doling out $10,000 each to members of the House of the concluding 9th Assembly, fear of the unknown has prevented the Speaker from convening plenary sessions.

    Before releasing the $10,000 gratification, not less than one hundred and sixty members were alleged to have signed his impeachment notice.

    In furtherance to his continued battle for survival, the Speaker Gbajabiamila on sensing the mood of the members when the House convened Wednesday morning, 17th May 2023 abruptly adjourned indefinitely.

    His Deputy, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase was even raising his hand to speak when he hurriedly hit the gavel and adjourned the Plenary, a development which further infuriated members.

    Impeccable sources equally hinted that the members were moving against Gbajabiamila over sundry charges of corruption.

    The leadership of the 9th Assembly is further being accused of diverting a whooping sum of N4 billion meant for the training of legislative aides for the past four years.

    The National Assembly budget every year provides for the quarterly training of aides, the sum of N250 million which amounts to a billion naira annually.

    Sources, however, revealed that for the past four years now, no single training has been allegedly conducted for the aides. So, members are asking questions about the money which are usually budgeted for the capacity building of their support staff.

    Questions are also being asked about the ongoing projects, which were being executed to the detriment of the uncompleted ones started by the previous leadership of the National Assembly.

    Apart from the leaderships being accused of over invoicing the contracts, the members are also questioning the rationale behind embarking on new projects when the old ones inherited from the previous leaderships were yet to be completed.

    The leaderships of the 8th Assembly, began the construction of quarters for the principal officers of the legislature which are yet to be delivered.

    The projects causing the agitations are, the Mosque, the library block, the National Assembly Service Commission, (NASCOM) building, the gates and gate houses and the barricading of the stays with transparent glasses.

  • Gbajabiamila adjourns plenary indefinitely over fear of impeachment

    Gbajabiamila adjourns plenary indefinitely over fear of impeachment

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila on Wednesday adjourned plenary indefinitely over fear of possible impeachment plot by some lawmakers.

    Gbajabiamila, who presided over plenary after weeks of recess, called for adjournment over speculation of his impeachment.

    He hinged the adjournment on the current induction by members-elect.

    It was gathered that some lawmakers had perfected plans to impeach Gbajabiamila over the imposition of Rep. Tajudeen Abbas as the consensus candidate for the 10th House of Reps. Speaker

    Some of the lawmakers who spoke with NAN on the impeachment plot under the condition of anonymity alleged that the speaker adjourned the plenary because of the fear of impeachment .

    Rep. Ahmed Wase, the Deputy Speaker had in a swift move opposed Gbajabiamila, claiming the adjournment was needless but it was rejected.

    Wase said the adjournment was not proper; adding that the induction could be going on simultaneously with plenary just like it was done at the Senate.

    According to Wase, I respect the view of distinguish colleagues, Rep Ibrahim Isaka, who moved for the adjournment, but I think Mr Speaker this institution has a lot memories.

    “There has never been a time because of induction the House suspended plenary.

    “I don’t know the rate of attrition in terms of those who are back to the House compared to those who are now not returning, that we have to adjourn the House because of induction.

    “I think there are many issues in the country that we need to face and tackle; we are running out of time Mr Speaker, we have just today and tomorrow for the week.

    “We lost yesterday, I want to beg my brother to consider his own stand, he should know that in any way that there is nowhere in our own rules that says that we are doing induction.

    He said the days for sitting in the House were clearly stated out in the House order.

    Earlier, Rep. Isaka (APC-Ogun) had come under Order 6, 1 and 2 for mater of privileges to move his motion.

    According to him, my point of order is that today as we speak, induction programme is on-going at the ICC center, which I am privileged together with other members to be part of Batch B.

    “Last week because of this same programme the House adjourned, the plenary was not in session but today because of the plenary I have to be here while this programme is ongoing.

    “I cannot be properly accommodated on the programme at the induction ground alongside plenary.

    “That is why I am coming under order of privileges order 6,1,2,3. Mr Speaker, my prayer is that the House do adjourn to allow us participate in the programme,” he said.

    Isiaka urged the House to reconvene after the programme, saying, “I am not the only victim of this, there are other members who are complaining about their privileges. I so move.”

    Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau), one of the aspirants for the 10th National assembly speaker raised his hand and attempted to speak but was equally ignored.

    Meanwhile, the Senate has been sitting since the induction of lawmakers began, while the House of Reps which reconvened on May 17, immediately called for adjournment after many postponements.

    Also, Rep. Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia) was chosen as the consensus candidate for the post of a Deputy Speaker.

    This was said to have angered some of the aspirants who now constituted themselves as G-7 to oppose the consensus candidate allegedly imposed by Gbajabiamila.

    Among the G-7 are: Rep. Ahmed Wase (APC-Plateau) Rep Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau) Rep. Sani Jaji (APC-Zamfara), Rep. Sada Soli (APC-Katsina), Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa (APC-Kano) and Rep. Aliyu Betara (APC-Kano).

    Speaking on the issue, Rep. Abubakar Nalaraba (APC-Nasarawa) said he was aware of the alteration made in the house rule to favour Gbajabiamila’s preferred candidate.

    “There are some agitations by members because there is a particular alteration from the house rule which was conspicuously inserted and has never been deliberated upon at the plenary or in the vote and proceedings.

    Sequel to this, he said, “some members promised to take it up with him and to bring it as Order of Privilege in the house so that members would discuss why would the insertion be in the House rule in the 10th Assembly.

    “I think that might be the reason why he adjourned the house and that insertion was done probably to make the election seamless for his preferred candidate.’’

    The doctored standing rules referred to as the 10th edition cited, has a new  provision for electing the Speaker and Deputy through an open ballot instead of the existing rule of secret ballot that has been in use since 1999.

    Section 2 (f) (iii) of the controversial clause captioned “election of presiding officers” stated that, “every member voting shall name clearly and in the open the candidate of his choice.”

    Gbajabiamila is being accused of single-handedly manipulating the rules of the House to edge out more credible aspirants in favour of his preferred candidate Rep. Tajudeen Abbas.

    Attempt by NAN to get the reaction of Mr Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Gbajabiamila was abortive as he did not reply the SMS sent to him.

  • Abia lawmakers deny plot to impeach Gov. Ikpeazu

    Abia lawmakers deny plot to impeach Gov. Ikpeazu

    The Abia State House of Assembly on Saturday described as false, rumours that the lawmakers planned to impeach the state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu.

    The Deputy Speaker, Mr Ifeanyi Uchendu, who dismissed the rumours while addressing newsmen in Aba, said that the lawmakers had never contemplated such plan.

    Uchendu urged members of the public to disregard the rumours, assuring that the Assembly would continue support the governor till the end of his tenure.

    Also, Mr Solomon Akpulonu, the Majority Leader, said that the rumours emanated from mischief makers.

    Akpulonu said that the assembly was pleased with the achievements recorded by Gov. Ikpeazu, especially in the area of infrastructural development.

    Also, the Minority Leader, Mr Chijioke Chukwu, said individuals peddling the rumours were doing so to malign the state House of Assembly.