Ekiti CJ directed to raise Fayose probe panel

The Ekiti state house of assembly has mandated chief judge of the state, Justice A. S. Daramola, to constitute a panel to investigate allegations of misconduct against Ayodele Fayose, governor of the state.

In a resolution of the assembly dated April 9, 2015, the 19 lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said the constitution of a panel became necessary in view of the impeachment notice served on the governor, dated March 3, 2015.

A part of the resolution, which was signed by Omirin Adewale Albert, the speaker, as well as Orisalade Adetunji Taiwo and Adedipe Churchill Olubumi, read:

“In view of the debates on the impeachment notice dated 3rd of March 2015, whereat members unanimously agreed that same be looked into in accordance with the provisions of section 188 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

“WHEREAS the majority leader moved a motion that the house do direct the Chief Judge of the State to set up a committee to investigate allegation of constitutional breaches levelled against the Governor of the State Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose and Deputy Governor Dr. Ojo Kolapo Olusola Eleka.The motion was seconded by Rt Hon. Orisalade Adetunji Taiwo.

“THAT the Chief Judge of the State is thereby directed to set up a committee to investigate allegation of constitutional breaches levied against the Governor of Ekiti State Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose and Deputy Governor Dr. Ojo Kolapo Olusola Eleka in accordance with the provisions of section 188 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).”

The impeachment notice against Fayose details eight impeachable offences against the governor bordering on impunity, brigandage, stalking and other constitutional breaches.

The lawmakers are accusing him of masterminding the invasion of the state house of assembly by thugs and miscreants, instigating an unconstitutional takeover of the House by seven legislators to sit in contravention of Section 96(2) of the 1999 Constitution, and preventing the 19 APC legislators from performing their duties with the use of security agents and armed thugs.

He was also accused of sponsoring an unlawful impeachment process in the house, spending state funds without the requisite constitutional approval in contravention of the constitution, and running the government without a legally-constituted executive council, in contravention of Section 192(2) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This is in addition to the allegation that he operated an illegal 2014 budget and sponsoring and instigating illegal sitting of the house, in contravention of Section 96(1) of the Constitution.