Daud Olatunji
The embattled Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, has provided insights into his decision to appear before the assembly following an invitation and an earlier notice of impeachment.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that at least 18 lawmakers impeached Oluomo on Tuesday, citing various allegations.
It was subsequently revealed that Oluomo received an impeachment notice 24 hours after he was impeached and was subsequently summoned before a probe panel on Monday.
PLATFORM TIMES also notes that journalists were prevented from covering the proceedings, contrary to the embattled Speaker’s request.
Following the meeting, Oluomo addressed the media at the front of the Assembly, emphasizing the importance of due process.
Acknowledging himself as a Democrat and the longest-serving lawmaker in the state house of assembly, Oluomo outlined the events leading to his appearance before the probe committee.
He emphasized his commitment to the rule of law and respect for the assembly, stating, “as a respecter of law and the house of assembly where I’ve been for a while now, I started coming.”
Oluomo detailed the timeline of the day, noting that his office received the summons at 10:45am, and personally signed for it at 11:30am.
He said the letter required his appearance by 3:00pm on the same day, prompting him to promptly make his way to the assembly.
When questioned about his decision to address the committee, Oluomo stated that he did so out of respect for the house.
He explained that despite being willing to raise issues, he sought permission from the committee, which was granted. “Number one, I am here out of respect for the house,” Oluomo stated, adding, “Number two, asking questions on the impeachment notice is prejudice because it is in court.”
The embattled speaker also invoked Section 36, Sub 6A of the Nigerian Constitution, emphasizing the need for detailed accusations and adequate time.
He highlighted the standing order adopted on August 31, 2023, asserting that the committee members who signed the petition should not be part of the inquiry committee.
Oluomo’s reference to a past case, specifically the removal of Dare Kadiri as deputy speaker, drew a distinction between the rules of that time and the current amended section, preventing accusers from being judges in their own case.
He argued that the committee’s chairman and four others, being part of the petitioners, should not be part of the current committee.
Explaining further, Oluomo said as the session unfolded, he contended that the committee’s composition violated the standing order, leading to a deadlock in the proceedings.
He added that despite claims that the committee had stepped down the order, Oluomo said he stood firm in challenging the committee’s structure.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the imbroglio sets the stage for the upcoming court hearing scheduled for February 8, as Oluomo remains resolute in navigating the legal intricacies surrounding the allegations leveled against him, vowing to uphold transparency and fairness throughout the impeachment proceedings.
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