Kogi State House of Assembly Sees No Valid Reason to Remove Governor Ododo Despite Allegations

The Kogi State House of Assembly has determined that there is no valid reason to remove Governor Usman Ododo from office, despite a call for removal by lawyer Deji Ajare. Ajare had alleged that Ododo used his motorcade to help former governor Yahaya Bello, who is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an N80.2 billion money laundering case, escape arrest in Abuja.

Mohammed Yabagi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, stated that the House has not received any letter from Ajare and has not seen any grounds for removal proceedings against Governor Ododo. "The House of Assembly has not seen any valid reasons to begin removal proceedings against the governor, as there is no evidence that the governor prevented security agencies from arresting Yahaya Bello," said Yabagi.

The EFCC had previously declared Bello wanted in connection to the alleged N80.2 billion money laundering case. The Inspector General of Police has withdrawn all police officers attached to the former governor, and the Nigerian Immigration Service has placed Bello on a watchlist to prevent him from leaving the country.

Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, described the alleged obstruction to Bello's arrest by his successor, Ododo, as 'insufferably disquieting'. However, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information denied reports that Ododo helped Bello evade arrest, stating that Bello is not evading anyone and that an existing court injunction protects his fundamental rights.

Why this matters: The allegations against Governor Ododo and former governor Bello have raised concerns about corruption and the misuse of power in Kogi State. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for accountability and the rule of law in Nigeria.

Despite the serious allegations made by lawyer Deji Ajare, the Kogi State House of Assembly maintains that there is no concrete evidence to support removal proceedings against Governor Usman Ododo at this time. The House has emphasized its support for all constitutionally recognized security agencies and their efforts to investigate and prosecute alleged crimes. As the EFCC continues its pursuit of former governor Yahaya Bello, the case remains a closely watched development in Kogi State and Nigerian politics.

Key Takeaways

• Kogi Assembly finds no grounds to remove Gov. Ododo despite lawyer's call
• Lawyer alleged Ododo helped ex-Gov. Bello, wanted by EFCC, evade arrest
• EFCC declared Bello wanted in N80.2bn money laundering case
• AG describes Ododo's alleged obstruction of Bello's arrest as 'disquieting'
• Outcome could impact accountability and rule of law in Kogi, Nigeria