Reps summon governor over constitutional breach

The House of Representatives on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 summoned the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello to appear before it over allegations that he refused to adhere to resolutions of the National Assembly and a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

An adhoc committee of the House which had investigated the non compliance of the earlier directive of the House to seal the Kogi House of Assembly had recommended that the governor forwards the budget of the state for consideration.

In the adopted recommendations of the committee which was chaired by the House Leader, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, the House also urged Bello to send the state executive bills to the Federal House for immediate consideration.

The resolution of the House to invite Bello, was sequel to a motion on matters of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon Chukwuemeka Ujam.

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While moving the motion, the lawmaker noted that the governor had begun implementing a budget not approved by the House and has failed to recognise the court's ruling nullifying the impeachment of the embattled Kogi Speaker, Mommoh Jimoh.

Contributing the motion, Hon Ali Isa Jesse expressed displeasure at the Governor's disregard for the resolutions of the National Assembly. He further urged the House to initiate an impeachment process against the Governor.

While describing the disregard of the resolution of the National Assembly and ruling of the Court by Bello as an "act of impunity", Gbajabiamila said there is no immunity protecting the Governor from investigation.

He added that the Governor has no right to deploy the military in the state. The House also summoned the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai and the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase to explain the reason for deploying security personnel to the state.