Kogi Assembly Suspends 9 Members, 8 LG Chairmen

Kogi State House of Assembly has on Thursday, suspended nine of its members on allegations of terrorism and other misconduct.

This was after the House Speaker, Rt Hon Prince Mathew Kolawole read a letter from the executive governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello alleging that the lawmakers engaged in terrorism acts.

Contributing to debate on the allegation levelled against them, the deputy speaker, Rt. Hon. Alfa Rabiu Momoh Ankpa 11 state constituency, supported the suspension of lawmakers , saying the state is bigger than any personal interest and that lawmakers should not be found contravening the law.

Also, Hon Collins Musa, Omala state constituency aligned himself with the deputy speaker arguing that the issue that borders on terrorism is too great to sweep under the carpet.

The House therefore placed the nine lawmakers on suspension until investigation is concluded.

The suspended lawmakers are  Olusola Kilani (Ijumu), Bello Hassan ( Ajaokuta), Muhammed Lawi Ahmed (Okene 1), Moses Akande ( Ogori), Magongo  Aderonke Aro (Yagba West), Daniyan Ranyi Bassa), Atule Igbunu (Ibaji), Atachaji Musa (Idah) and Muktah Bajeh (Okehi).

Also, the House placed on suspension seven council chairmen on allegations of electoral violence.

The chairmen are that of Bassa, Hon Muktari Shaibu with his vice chairman; the chairman of Ogori/Magongo, Hon Okparison and his vice; Chairman of Yagba West, Hon Pius Kolawole; the chairman of Ibaji local government area; Chairman of Kabba/Bunu, Hon Moses Olorunleke and his vice; Mustapha Akaaba of Ajaokuta and Joseph Salami of Adavi LGA.

A seven-man ad hoc committee headed by the deputy speaker, Rt Hon Rabiu was set up by the House to investigate those on suspension.

The committee secretary is Bayero Jiya.

In another development, the House also placed the Council boss of Lokoja local government area, Hon Dansabe Muhammed on suspension based on allegation of misappropriation of funds which amounts to about N150 million.

The councillors and the vice chairman had written a letter accusing the council boss of reckless financial spending and misappropriation of funds without recourse to legal order.