PDP cautions Kogi lawmakers against ousting chief judge

Tunde Opalana, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned members of the Kogi state House of Assembly not to allow Governor Yahaya Bello push them into joining his odious conspiracy to forcefully remove the state Chief Judge, Justice Nasir Ajana.

The party noted that there is no provision in the constitution that empowers the state legislature to superintend over the judiciary or direct the powers and functions of the National Judicial Council (NJC) on issues pertaining to judges, let alone a state chief judge.

The party said the recommendation of the state House of Assembly for the removal of the chief judge is therefore, a misdirected shadow-boxing, which not only exposes the state legislature to public ridicule, but also reinforces impressions and allegations in the public space that it has been compromised to execute ignoble schemes of the state executive.

The party’s spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan said this development is not healthy for the image of the legislators in the state and could lead to their recall by their constituents.

He said “the powers and functions of the state legislature vis-a vis those of the judiciary are well carved out in our laws and should be respected at all times.

The ostensibly induced action of the Kogi state legislature is therefore, a direct affront on our constitution and an invitation to anarchy.

“The Kogi lawmakers should note that they were elected to uphold good governance and rule of law for the benefit and welfare of the people of Kogi state, and not as instruments of witch-hunt and intimidation in the hands of an anti-people, repressive, incompetent and grossly corrupt administration, which has no regard for the law and the will of the people.

“Moreover, the lawmakers should note that in ditching the constitutional provision of separation of powers and joining in assaulting the independence and sanctity of the judiciary, they are also setting their parliament on the path of self-destruct and complete annexation by the executive.”