Ogun ex- Deputy Speaker, alleges suspension to discourage accountability

Yesterday former Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr Dare Kadiri, said his suspension by the Assembly is an attempt to silence lawmakers advocating for accountability.

The deputy speaker representing Ijebu North State Constituency, said his suspension from the House of Assembly, with Solomon Osho, didn’t surprise him.

The lawmaker, in a statement titled ‘Corruption fighting back in Ogun Assembly,’ said: “It should not surprise right-thinking Nigerians either, especially those who have been following political developments in Ogun State in recent time.

“The attempt to silence lawmakers advocating accountability, probity and transparency in the House finances is tantamount to corruption fighting back. Yes, corruption is fighting back in Ogun Assembly. Those who are incensed by the recent arrest and arraignment of Speaker Olakunle Oluomo for fraud are desperate to cover their tracks but their embarrassing scandal is too late for a cover-up.

“At the plenary on September 13, 2022, the Speaker announced the suspension of two members without following due process.

“No prior allegations were leveled, no committee investigated any charges, no vote decided any sanction on the floor of the House. Only the unilateral impulse of Mr Speaker was just at play.

“In this instance, Mr Speaker was the accuser, the prosecutor and the judge at the same time. His action was rushed to achieve a predetermined end but that would never be the end.

“The suspension of lawmakers who have faithfully and effectively represented their constituencies is illegal, malicious and unwarranted political vendetta. The action is a classical case of gross abuse of office and therefore null and void.

“I’m aware of some false allegation making the rounds that I and certain lawmakers had signed impeachment notice against Mr Speaker. What is my business in signing an impeachment notice against someone who is already under prosecution for corruption?

“The allegation is merely a figment of the imagination of a drowning man clutching at every straw to survive imminent doom. I have said it before that those who breached the law with impunity must understand that they can only run, they can’t hide. No matter how hard they try, Mr Speaker and his backers can never fool the good people of Ogun State.”

(Vanguard)