By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
A socio-political group, Kogi Integrity Watch (KIW), has questioned the constitutional authority of the Kogi State House of Assembly to suspend the Executive Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area, Hon. Williams Iko’ojo, following his recent suspension over alleged gross misconduct.
Recall that the State House of Assembly had, earlier this week, announced the suspension of Hon. Iko’ojo after deliberating on a petition bordering on alleged gross misconduct, abuse of office, and financial mismanagement.
The decision, according to the Assembly, was taken to allow for an independent investigation into the allegations leveled against him.
However, in a statement issued in Lokoja on Thursday and signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Musa Edogbanya, the Kogi Integrity Watch faulted the action of the lawmakers, describing it as “an overreach of legislative powers and a violation of democratic principles.”
According to the group, “While the Assembly has oversight functions over local government councils, it does not have the constitutional power to suspend or remove an elected local government chairman. Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the system of local government by democratically elected councils, and any interference must follow due process as provided by law.”
The group maintained that the suspension, if allowed to stand, could amount to a breach of the constitutional provisions guaranteeing local government autonomy.
It warned that such actions could weaken public confidence in the democratic process and embolden future attempts to suppress elected grassroots leaders.
“What the Assembly did, if allowed to stand, could set a dangerous precedent and undermine the autonomy of local governments in Kogi State,” the statement read.
“Today it is Ibaji; tomorrow it could be any other council chairman who refuses to bow to political pressure.”
The group further urged the Assembly to respect the principle of separation of powers and adhere strictly to legal provisions guiding its oversight responsibilities.
“Oversight should not translate to overreach. There are lawful ways to seek accountability without violating the rights of elected officials,” the group added.
Comrade Edogbanya also appealed to civil society organizations, legal practitioners, and democratic institutions to speak out against what he described as an “emerging trend of legislative intimidation at the grassroots level.”
He commended the people of Ibaji for remaining calm in the face of provocation and called on them to trust the judicial process to address the matter.
“We understand the frustration of the people, but we urge restraint. Democracy must be defended through lawful and peaceful means,” he stated.
The group called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to intervene and ensure that due process is followed in the ongoing probe, emphasizing that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
“Governor Ododo should ensure that his administration remains a beacon of fairness, equity, and justice. The people of Kogi State elected him with the hope of strengthening institutions, not weakening them through undue interference,” the statement concluded.
