A human rights lawyer, Deji Ajare, has formally requested the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Governor Usman Ododo.
Ajare alleged that the governor engaged in misconduct and abuse of office by using his official motorcade to assist the former governor, Yahaya Bello, in evading arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Ajare addressed his concerns through a letter to the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Umar Yusuf, which was submitted via the clerk of the House.
In the letter, he claimed that Governor Ododo’s actions in aiding Bello, who was facing arrest in connection with an N80.2bn money laundering case, constituted “the harbouring of a fugitive, obstruction of justice, and the misuse of state resources.”
The situation escalated when the EFCC declared Bello wanted, and the Nigeria Immigration Service added him to its watchlist. Additionally, the Inspector General of Police has withdrawn all police units previously attached to Bello.
Ajare urged the state assembly to work with the EFCC and ensure all individuals involved are accessible for questioning and to facilitate investigations, as reported by The Punch.
He highlighted the severity of the allegations, stating, “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.”
He also encouraged the assembly to initiate a thorough inquiry as per Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution to verify the claims and hold Governor Ododo accountable if found culpable.
Ajare expressed his trust in the assembly’s commitment to uphold constitutional and legal standards for the state’s benefit.
However, the response from the assembly was one of skepticism. Mohammed Yabagi, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, noted that neither the Clerk nor the Speaker had received such a letter, and there were no witnessed accounts or evidence to suggest that Governor Ododo interfered with law enforcement duties.
“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,” Ajare wrote.
Efforts to contact Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser on Media to Governor Ododo, were unsuccessful, but Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi State Commissioner for Information, refuted any allegations of the governor’s involvement in obstructing justice, stating in an interview with Channels TV.
“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.
