The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned members of the Kogi state house of assembly against “being used to forcibly remove” Nasir Ajana, chief judge of the state.
The lawmakers had on Tuesday recommended the removal of Ajanah over alleged gross misconduct, following a report that indicted the Kogi high court and Kogi Hajj Commission of financial breaches.
In a statement by Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP spokesman, the party said the lawmakers should note that they were not elected to act as instruments of witch-hunt and intimidation.
The PDP said the recommendation for the CJ’s removal exposes the state legislature to public ridicule and reinforces allegations that it has been compromised.
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It said the development “is not healthy for the image of the legislators in the state and could lead to their recall by their constituents”.
“The PDP cautions members of the Kogi state house of assembly for allowing Governor Yahaya Bello to push them to act beyond their boundaries, and join in the odious conspiracy to forcefully remove the state Chief Judge, Justice Nasir Ajana,” the party said.
“It is common knowledge that there is no provision in our constitution that empowers the state legislature to superintend over the judiciary or direct the powers and functions of the National Judicil Council (NJC) on issue pertaining to judges, let alone a state chief judge.
“The recommendation of the Kogi State House of Assembly for the removal of the State Chief Judge is, therefore, a misdirected shadowboxing, which not only exposes the state legislature to public ridicule but also reinforces impressions and allegations in the public space that it has been compromised to execute ignoble schemes of the state executive.
“The powers and functions of the state legislature, vis-a vis those of the judiciary, are well carved out in the nation’s laws and should be respected at all times.
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“Moreover, the lawmakers should note that in ditching the constitutional provision of separation of powers and joining in assaulting the independence and sanctity of the judiciary, they are also setting their parliament on the path of self-destruct and complete annexation by the executive.
“The party, therefore, charges the members of Kogi State House of Assembly to immediately retrace their steps and ensure that, as lawmakers, they are not found on the wrong side of the law.”
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