Our attention has been drawn to the numerous opinions, names calling, intimidation, protests and character assassination of the current House of Assembly members in Ondo State, as regards the issue of notice of gross misconduct against the person and office of the Deputy Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, including the position of the so called Coalition of Ex Lawmakers.
In the first place, the constitution makes provision for the process of carrying out impeachment of the Governor or and the Deputy Governor as clear spelled out in sections 188.
The public should be aware that the process only start from the house, and the the house will only act on the decision of the panel set up by the chief Judge of the state. The outcome of the panel is what the house will base its decision on.
The house as at now has only played its constitutional role by sending a notice of gross misconduct to the Deputy Governor, which itself does not constitute an impeachment.
After seven days from the day The house served The Deputy Governor The House will write the chief Judge of the State to constitute a seven man panel that would look into the allegations, where the Deputy Governor would be allowed to defend himself either personally or through a counsel.
It is the outcome of this that the house will base its decision on during the impeachment debate if need be.
From the above, it is crystal clear that the house has acted within it is constitutional duty and with utmost dignity.
For the avoidance of doubt, it is on record that non of the past Assembly has diligently treated an issue of impeachment as 10th Assembly is doing.
Pursuant to the power constitutionally reposed in the legislature, under section 4 of the 1999 constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the right to inquire and query any official of the state, is a constitutional role, which is guaranteed under section 188 of the constitution. This role must not be taken away under any guise. The only responsibility that is required of the house is to uphold the tenets of fairness and impartiality in the discharge of their onerous responsibility.
The most surprised of it all is the people who are supposed to educate the public on these simple duties of the legislature but who incidentally have now turn themselves to paid advisors. They all know the role they played in the dark days of their various Assemblies.
Signed:
Rt Hon Aderoboye
Hon Taofik Mohammed
Hon Tomide Akinribido
Hon Kuti Towase
Hon Toluwani Borokoni
Hon Akintomide Akinrogunde
Hon Gudu Felemu
Hon Sulaiman Maito
Hon Rashid Elegbeleye
Hon Abiodun Ogunbi
