The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has reacted to the impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Simon Achuba, by the state House of Assembly, describing it as illegal.
In a statement on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Kunle Edun, the NBA said Achuba’s removal was unconstitutional because he was cleared of wrongdoings by the probe panel raised by the state Chief Judge to probe him.
The statement reads, “Available information indicates that the Honorable Chief Judge of Kogi State in the exercise of his constitutional powers and pursuant to a Resolution of the Kogi State House of Assembly, constituted a 7 man panel, chaired by Mr. John Baiyeshea, SAN, to investigate the allegations of misconduct against the Deputy Governor of Kogi State.
“The said Investigation Panel has since submitted its report to the Kogi State House of Assembly, finding the Deputy Governor not guilty and cleared him of all the allegations made against him.
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“The Nigerian Bar Association views these events with great concerns and urges all parties to exercise great caution.
“Any action to be taken by the interested parties should be guided by dictates of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the need to adhere to the Rule of law.
Parties concerned should also avoid any act that may pose a threat to the peace and security of Kogi State.”
The NBA harped on the imperative of all Nigerians, public officials and public institutions to always comply and adhere to the provisions of the Constitution of the country.
Recall that Achuba was impeached last Friday by the State House of Assembly while Mr. Edward Onaja, running mate of Gov. Yahaya Bello in the governorship election of November 16, was on Monday sworn in as his replacement.
