The Kogi State House of Assembly has suspended nine of its members on allegations of terrorism, misconduct, electoral violence and anti-party activities during the recently concluded general elections in the state.
The decision to suspend the members was reached at Thursday’s plenary following the adoption of letters from Governor Yahaya Bello read by the Speaker of the House, Prince Matthew Kolawole which alleged that the lawmakers engaged in acts of terrorism.
The Governor in his letter to the Assembly, urged the Speaker of the House, Prince Matthew Kolawole to investigate the alleged charges levelled against them.
While contributing to the debate on the allegation, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Alfa Rabiu Momoh (Ankpa 11 state constituency), supported the suspension of the lawmakers, saying the state is bigger than any personal interest and that lawmakers should not be found contravening the law.
The member representing Omala state constituency Hon. Collins Musa aligned himself with the Deputy Speaker, arguing that the issue that borders on terrorism is too great to sweep under the carpet.
The House, therefore, placed the nine lawmakers on suspension until the investigation is concluded.
The suspended lawmakers are Olusola Kilani, Ijumu; Bello Hassan, Ajaokuta; Muhammed Lawi Ahmed, Okene 1; Moses Akande, Ogori Magongo; Aderonke Aro, Yagba West; Daniyan Ranyi, Bassa; Atule Igbunu, Ibaji; Atachaji Musa, Idah; and Muktah Bajeh, Okehi.
Suspension of Council Chairmen
Also, the House placed on suspension seven council Chairmen on allegations of electoral violence. The chairmen are of Bassa, Ogori/Magongo, Yagba West, Ibaji LGA, Kabba/Bunu, Adavi LGA, and Ajaokuta.
The House also placed the Council boss of Lokoja Local Government, Hon Dansabe Muhammed on suspension based on the allegation of misappropriation of funds which amounts to about N150 million.
The councillors and the Vice Chairman had written a letter accusing the council boss of reckless financial spending and misappropriation of funds without recourse to legal order.
A seven-man ad hoc committee headed by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Rabiu was set up by the House to investigate those on suspension.
Wrongful allegations
In a reaction to the suspension, Honorable Muktar Badjeh of Okehi constituency refuted the allegations levelled against him.
In a telephone conversation with Voice of Nigeria, he said “as far as I am concerned I remain loyal to the state and I know I will be cleared and be called back in few weeks to come,“.
He expressed confidence that the investigation and findings will clear him of the allegations.
Emmanuel Ukoh
