SaharaReporters had reported how the Assembly Speaker, Gboyega Aribisogan, was illegally impeached and suspended indefinitely by some members of the Assembly loyal to former Governor Kayode Fayemi.
The coalition of majority leaders of State Houses of Assembly in the South-West geopolitical zone has stated that the removal of the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Honourable Olugboyega Aribisogan, violates all statutory provisions of the South-West State Houses of Assembly's harmonised rules and standing orders.
SaharaReporters had reported how the Assembly Speaker, Gboyega Aribisogan, was illegally impeached and suspended indefinitely by some members of the Assembly loyal to former Governor Kayode Fayemi.
Aribisogan identified eight lawmakers who were involved in the impeachment even though the House had 26 lawmakers.
Reacting, the legislators claimed that the “alleged impeachment” violated the rules controlling plenary behaviour in terms of quorum and time, as well as the regulations governing the expulsion of the Speaker, and Deputy Speaker of the House.
The majority leaders also particularly said the removal of Aribisogan was a gross violation of Order II, Rule 9 of House Rules.
This was stated in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Lagos State House of Assembly’s quarterly meeting in Ibadan and signed by the majority leader, Honourable S.O. Agunbiade; his counterparts, Honourable Sanjo Adedoyin (Oyo); Honourable Maruf Olanrewaju (Osun); Honourable Ogunmolasuyi Oluwole (Ondo); and Honourable Yusuf Sherif
The lawmakers further described the removal of Aribisogan as “a crude display of legislative lawlessness that cannot find a decent place in global best practices.”
The forum said it was imperative for the conference of speakers, enlightened persons and well-meaning Nigerians, in the interest of democracy, decent legislative practices and the rule of law, to condemn the happening at the Ekiti State House of Assembly.
The majority leaders also condemned the invasion of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, saying “legislative gangsterism and barbaric practices” should not be allowed to prevail.