Just in: Court declares removal of ex- Kogi Deputy Governor illegal

Richard Elesho/ Lokoja

A State High Court sitting in Lokoja, on Thursday declared that the removal of Elder Simon Achuba, former Deputy Governor by the Kogi State House of Assembly in October 2019 was as null and void, adding that the subsequent nomination of Chief Edward Onoja as his replacement did not follow the law.

Justice John Olorunfemi of High Court IV sitting in Lokoja made the declarations in his ruling on the suits filed by Achuba against his impeachment by the lawmakers.

The judge described the impeachment as a violation of the Constitution, adding that the actions and subsequent nomination of another person to the office by the lawmakers was null and void.

The judge said the action of the legislators was tantamount to legislative rascality, wondering if “they were lawmakers or law breakers.”

Olorunfemi said the action of the lawmakers is contrary to Section 188 subsection 8, which stopped the Assembly from further action if it discovered that the former Deputy Governor was not found wanting by the panel.

*UPDATED