The leadership crisis rocking Kogi State House of Assembly on Thursday received the attention of the Senate, even with the House of Representatives taking over legislative activities of the Assembly a fortnight ago.
In a motion brought to the floor of the Upper Chamber by Senate Leader, Ali Ndume seeking the Senate’s concurrence because the Kogi State House of Assembly cannot perform it’s legislative activities due to intractable crises which has made the State volatile in recent time.
“That the Senate do concur with the House of Representatives resolutions on the report of the House delegation to Kogi State on the illegal removal of the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly and approve the resolution therein,” the Senate Leader said.
Senator Dino Melaye of Kogi West Senatorial District, in a swift reaction on the floor referred to the court action that would not warrant discussion on Kogi crisis, but was ruled out of Order by the Senate President.
“Mr. President and Distinguished Colleagues, this matter has been taken to the court of competent jurisdiction and a copy has been duly served on the office of the Senate President, hence, it is against our procedure to align with the lower Chambers,” Dino said.
Senator Emmanuel Bwacha in his contribution described the action of the 5 members as brigandage and an executive rescality. He condemned the support they were being given to legislate illegally , while allaying fears that if such was not nipped in the bud, it leaves bad precedent that may reincarnate in other legislative Houses.
In a unanimous votes supporting the House of Representatives position, the Senate condemned the role played by the police for aiding subversion of laws, while directing the Inspector General of Police to seal the State Assembly Complex until the matter was resolved.
“The Senate hereby condemn the role played by the Nigeria Police in subverting the provisions of the Constitution by providing cover for 5 members out of the 20 members of the Kogi State House of Assembly to commit illegalities,” Saraki said.
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