Push for Gov. Ododo’s Impeachment Amid Allegations in Yahaya Bello’s Escape

A call for the impeachment of Governor Usman Ododo has been initiated by human rights advocate Deji Ajare due to allegations of misconduct and abuse of power.

This comes in the wake of a situation involving the governor allegedly using state resources, including his motorcade, to aid former governor Yahaya Bello in evading arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a case involving an alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering.

According to reports, the incident took place on Wednesday, April 17, when Governor Ododo reportedly whisked his predecessor away from his Abuja residence, which was being monitored by the EFCC.

Following the former governor’s departure, the EFCC issued a public notice declaring him wanted and requested the Nigeria Immigration Service to place him under surveillance.

Furthermore, the Inspector General of Police instructed the withdrawal of all police units assigned to the ex-governor.

In response to these events, Deji Ajare has sent a letter to the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Umar Yusuf, urging the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Governor Ododo.

The letter also calls for cooperation with the EFCC to ensure the availability of all individuals implicated for questioning and investigations.

In the letter, Ajare highlighted the potential breaches of statutory duties imposed by the Constitution and other relevant laws of Nigeria, which, if proven true, could amount to gross misconduct and warrant immediate investigation and impeachment.

However, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mohammed Yabagi, stated that neither the Clerk nor the Speaker had received such a letter.

He also mentioned that the House had not found compelling grounds to initiate impeachment proceedings against the governor.

Additionally, Yabagi asserted that there was no proof indicating that the governor had obstructed security agencies from apprehending Yahaya Bello.

The situation remains ongoing, with the public and legal authorities closely monitoring developments.

The outcome of this call for impeachment and the allegations against Governor Ododo and former Governor Bello will undoubtedly have significant consequences for both the political landscape of Kogi State and the broader fight against corruption in Nigeria.