The political crisis in Kogi state has taken a new dimension as
two members of the state’s House of Assembly are laying claim to the
position of speaker in the house.
Momoh Jimoh-Lawal, the speaker of the state assembly was reportedly impeached on Thursday, December 10, alongside
his deputy, Aliyu Aku and minority leader, Hassan Bello.
He was said to have been replaced by Hon. Godwin Osiyi representing
Ogori-magongo was reportedly elected as the new speaker while Hon. James
Eneche from Olamaboro is the new minority leader.
Lawal has however insisted that he still remains the authentic
speaker. Speaking during a chat with journalists in Lokoja, the state
capital yesterday, December 12, he stated that the move to hijack the
leadership ofassembly by some few members was unpatriotic and at
variance with the legislative practice and principle all over the world.
Lawal informed the journalists that he is still in firm control of
the assembly, addidng that he has written to the Commissioner of Police
in the state that the assembly complex should not be opened until
Tuesday, Fecruary 2, 2016.
According to National Mirror, he called members of the house to
remain focused and be committed to the ideals of the founding fathers of
the state.
He said:
“It is important to let the public know that though
Ukwubile Achanu Ochejenunu of Idah Constituency attempted to move an
impeachment motion with some other members”.
The speaker added that when the attempt was made to impeach the
principal officers, there was chaos in the house, noting that a peace
loving leader quickly adjourned till February 2, 2016.
But on Thursday, December 10, 17 members of Kogi State House of
Assembly while addressing journalists in Lokoja, insisted that Lawal has
been impeached as the speaker and replaced by Godwin Osiyi.
They said the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Momoh Jimoh
Lawal has been impeached along with two other principal officers, the
Deputy Speaker and Minority leader.
The Chairman, House Committee on information, Honourable John Abbah
stated that the action of 17 members of the House became imperative in
view of the demand to remove the speaker before now.
Abbah who is the new Deputy Speaker stated that the speaker was
impeached because of incompetence, greed and betrayal of the members.
On his part, the newly elected speaker, Godwin Osiyi said the
impeachment exercise has nothing to do with the political situation in
the state. Osiyi informed that the house has been adjourned to December
16.
The 17 members that signed the impeachment of Alhaji MomohJimoh
Lawal are : Hon. Osiyi Godwin Ojo, Hon. Ibrahim Abdulmumini, Hon. (Bar)
Oluwatoyin Lawal, Hon. Eneche Ojochenemi Linus, Hon. (Alh) Musa Jimoh
Omiata.
Hon. Prince M. O. Kolawole, Prince Zakari Osewu Mohammed, Hon. Omofaye Victor Adewale and Hon. John M. U. Abah.
Other are Hon. Edoko Moses Ododo, Hon. Obaro A. S. Pedro, Hon. Alfa
Momoh Rabiu, Hon. Ndako Idris, Hon. Salifu Isah Idachaba, Hon. Hassan
Abdullah, Hon. Ukubile Ochijene-Acharu.
an Hon. Umar Ahmed Imam.
The Kogi assembly is made up of 14 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members and 11 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Recall that violence erupted on Friday, December 11, at the assembly, leaving no fewer than five members and some policemen seriously injured in the fracas.
