The Kogi House of Assembly has been called upon to immediately impeach the State governor Usman Ododo for allegedly helping former governor Yahaya Bello to escape arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes agents.
On Wednesday the Mr. Ododo was said to have driven into the besieged residence of Bello in Abuja and drove him into safety. Mr. Bello has been declared wanted by the EFCC to answer charges of an N80b money laundering scheme.
Human rights lawyer, Deji Ajare, in a letter to the Kogi State House of Assembly, said governor, Usman Ododo, by allegedly aiding Bello to escape arrest has breached his constitutional responsibility of upholding law and order adding that Ododo harboured a fugitive, obstructed justice, and the misused state resources.
“In the light of the above allegations and the inherent potential breaches of statutory duties imposed by the Constitution and other relevant laws of our country, these actions, if proven true, amount to gross misconduct and warrant immediate investigation and commencement of impeachment proceedings.
“I hereby call on the Kogi State House of Assembly under your leadership to initiate a thorough inquiry into these allegations by 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.”
Meanwhile the Kogi State Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo said governor Ododo did not shield Bello from the arrest
“Governor Ododo did not assist in Bello’s departure from his residence; the EFCC’s claims are misinformation aimed at furthering their objectives. Bello is not evading anyone; the existing court injunction protects his fundamental rights,” he said.
