The Coalition Of Civil Society Against Impunity, has condemned the procedure adopted in impeaching the speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly Hon.Olakunle Oluomo last week and calls for reversal of the impeachment.
The coalition call on all Nigerians to rise up, and condemn the impeachment because rule of law was not followed in carrying out the act.
Addressing journalists in Ogba, Lagos, the spokesperson of the organization Comrade Shina Loremikan, who was accompanied by Comrades Decklan Ihekaire, Aghedo Kehinde, Juli Ihejirika and Jude Ochiauha stated that, the circumstances surrounding the removal of Hon Oluomo raised serious questions about the adherence to due process and legal procedures.
The coalition demands an immediate reversal of the decision to remove the Speaker Oluomo from the position of Speaker, until the dispute is resolved through the propel legal channels.
“Such impulsive actions without proper legal basis set a dangerous precedent and contribute to the erosion of democratic values.”The coalition stated.
It stated that, it is the duty of elected representatives to uphold the rule of law, and any deviation from that fundamental principle, erodes the trust of the public in the democratic process.
“It is imperative to state that, the position of leadership not excluding the Speakership in the State House of Assemblies is a legislative privilege to members, not a right which has a laid down constitutional procedure to attain such a leadership ladder.”The statement reads.
The Civil Society noted that, why do the lawmakers serve Oluomo notice of impeachment, a day after he was removed from office.
“Now the critical question is why impeachment before serving notice of impeachment.”
The organization stated that, the appropiate procedure is that, the notice of impeachment ought to come first, which will afford the Speaker opportunity to respond to allegations raised against him.
“This act by those who knows, but refuses to do the needful by not following due process calls for a total condemnation, and shouldn’t be allowed to sail through in our current democratic setting, Loremikan said.”
The coalition also emphasized the importance of transparency in governance and urges Ogun State House of Assembly to provide a detailed account of the legal and procedural basis for the removal of Oluomo.
“The public has a right to know and understand the justifications behind such decisions that impact the democratic structure.” The coalition explained.
It will be recalled that 18 out of the 26 members of Ogun State House of Assembly impeached Oluomo as Speaker of the state assembly last week.