Renowned human rights lawyer Deji Ajare has called upon Umar Yusuf, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Usman Ododo.
Ajare made the plea through a letter submitted on Friday to the House clerk, News About Nigeria reports.
In the letter, Ajare accused the governor of using the state’s official motorcade to help his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, evade arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC had surrounded Bello’s residence in Abuja on Wednesday at approximately 4:20 pm in connection with a money laundering investigation totaling N80.2 billion.
After the incident, Bello was declared wanted by the EFCC, with the Nigeria Immigration Service placing him on its watchlist.
Additionally, the Inspector General of Police has ordered the withdrawal of all police units assigned to Bello.
The lawyer, therefore, said the governor’s alleged actions amount to harbouring a fugitive, obstructing justice, and misusing state resources, all of which, he asserts, justify impeachment.
Ajare further implored the Kogi State House of Assembly to collaborate with federal authorities to ensure the availability of all relevant individuals for interrogation and a comprehensive investigation.
“I hereby call on the Kogi State House of Assembly under your leadership to initiate a thorough inquiry into these allegations under Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, to ascertain the truth and to hold Governor Usman Ododo accountable if the allegations are found to be true.
“I also urge the Kogi State House of Assembly to cooperate with national law enforcement agencies, including the EFCC, to ensure all individuals involved are available for questioning and to facilitate a smooth investigation,” he said.
However, Mohammed Yabagi, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, disputed the existence of such a letter.
According to him, neither the clerk nor the speaker had received it.
Yabagi said the House has not found valid grounds to initiate impeachment proceedings against the governor.
