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Illegal and Unlawful Removal of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly is Unacceptable – CCHR

Published

13 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Unlawful removal of Rt Hon Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa is not only unlawful but also failed to follow the constitutional provisions for the removal of a speaker of a house of Assembly.

The law presumed anyone accused of an offence is innocent until it’s proven otherwise.

To prove otherwise is achievable only through fair hearing.

Rt. Hon. Obasa has not been interrogated by any committee to investigate any form of misconduct levelled against him. He is entitled to fair hearing in accordance with 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria as altered.

Those accusing the speaker can’t be the judge in their own case.

Without mincing words, over ambition and over zealousness of some legislators are the main reasons for the kangaroo impeachment and can not stand.

Impeachment of a speaker is not an activity that should be opaque to the public/ electorate that the legislators represent.

Offences and reasons to commence impeachment proceedings ought to have been formally communicated to the speaker and made public. An unbiased committee also ought to have been put in place to investigate the authenticity or otherwise of the allegations and report given to the house.

All these are lacking, hence the so called impeachment can not stand.

Impeachment proceedings are not taken as unanimous decisions and cant be taken as voice vote, therefore it’s laughable to have seen a legislator claiming decision to impeach was unanimously taken. At which plenary was such decision taken?

While the legislative house has the right to decide to change it’s leadership, it must conform with the rule of law or else it becomes a coup which cant stand in a democracy .

Lagos State should not be taken as a state where a clique can sit in a corner and forced it’s unpopular decision on majority of the law abiding members of the house of Assembly that are truly conscious of rule of law and Constitutionalism.

The so called impeachment can not stand.Every legitimate means, including the court of law, shall be applied to protect the sanctity of democratic norms. Whims and caprices of some elements can not and will never take precedence over rule of law.

Toyin Raheem
Executive Secretary, CCHR

Related Topics:Court Investigate Lagos Nigeria removal

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Reps Urge FG To Sustain Support For Nigerian Military

Published

17 minutes ago

January 14, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the House of Representatives has called for sustained support for the Nigeria military in its quest to address the challenges of insecurity across the country.

This resolution was sequel the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, titled “Armed Forces Remembrance Day: A call to honour, celebrate and support the heroism of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in safeguarding national unity and global peace”, moved by Rep. Babajimi Benson, lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Lagos State, on Tuesday at plenary.

Rep. Benson who is also the Chairman Committee on Defense, commended men and officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to their constitutional responsibility, said the security challenges facing Nigeria are surmountable.

He said, “The House is aware that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force, have demonstrated unparalleled dedication, bravery and professionalism in combating various forms of insecurity across the country, including insurgency, banditry and other criminal activities;

“The House is also aware of the immense sacrifices made by the officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens, often at the risk of their own lives;

“The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, marked on the 15th of January, is a solemn occasion to honour the bravery and sacrifices of fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price for our nation’s peace and unity.

“The House also note that the event provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on the remarkable achievements of our Armed Forces and recommit to supporting their efforts.”

Benson who drummed support for the military, recognised the significant victories recorded so far on the war against insurgency, particularly in the North-East region, where previously inaccessible communities have been liberated, enabling displaced persons to return to their homes.

“We also recognize the immense contributions of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to regional peace and stability through their involvement in joint military operations, collaborations with neighbouring countries, and commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders.

“We further recognise the distinguished record of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in international peacekeeping and other missions under the auspices of the United Nations, African Union and ECOWAS, where their professionalism, discipline, integrity and commitment to global peace have earned the respect and admiration of the international community,” he added.

The Lagos lawmaker however advised Nigerians not to trivialize the sacrifices being made by the military, saying, “The House is concerned that lack of commendation for these outstanding achievements would likely dampen the morale of these gallant officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

The House unanimously adopted the motion, and urged the Federal Government to “Sustain its support for the Armed Forces through increased funding, provision of modern equipment, and enhanced welfare packages.”

It mandated its relevant committees to regularly “Assess and provide recommendations for the improvement of the Armed Forces’ operations, ensuring their continued efficiency and effectiveness.”

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Gov Zulum Sad Over Boko Haram Attack Killing 40 Farmers

Published

1 hour ago

January 14, 2025

Naijablitznews

Governor Babagana Zulum has condemned terrorists’ attack in the Dumba community, near Baga in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The governor condemned the attack which claimed at least 40 farmers and fishermen on Sunday and called on the officers and men of Operation Hadin Kai to track and obliterate the insurgent elements that are operating at Dumba and other similar enclaves in the Lake Chad Area.

The attack was said to have been carried out by Boko Haram and ISWAP elements operating in the area.

Zulum commiserated with the victims and their families and assured them that those still missing would be found and reunited with their families.

In a statement by the state’s Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, the governor said, “With deep sorrow and anguish, I received the sad news of the attack on Dumba where scores of our farmers and fishermen were killed by the terrorists.

“On behalf of the government, I sympathise with the victims’ families. Let me assure the citizens of Borno that this matter will be thoroughly investigated for further necessary action.

“Let me use this opportunity to call on the armed forces to track and deal decisively with the perpetrators of this heinous act of violence against our innocent citizens.

“It was observed that the farmers strayed off the security corridor established by the security agencies, and went into an enclave that is yet to be cleared. Such enclaves are usually prone to nocturnal attacks by marauding terrorists, as well as being contaminated with landmines.”

The governor called on citizens not to venture beyond the safety zones that are demarcated by the government and security agencies.

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FCT Police confirm 17 dark spots in Abuja (See list)

Published

4 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Naijablitznews

The Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday, designated 17 areas in the nation’s capital as criminal black-spots.

The areas are Apo-Dutse Panteka; Diplomatic Zone; New PDP Secretariat; Kabusa Panteka; Ajakaita (Tungan-Maje); Abuja-Kaduna Road; Jabi Panteka; Apo-Waru Panteka; Area 1 (Monkey Village) and Durumi Village.

Others are Gwarimpa; Angwan Tivi; Mpape (Mashafa and Shishinpe villages) ;Durumi III (Burukutu Garden); Mabushi (Gishiri Village); Kubwa (by Pipeline and NEPA Road) and Maitama (under the Transcorp Bridge).

The command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh in a statement on Tuesday, said the police identified the black spots during a series of strategic raids.

Adeh added that the daily raids are critical to maintaining law and order in the FCT. The statement partly read, “As part of its unwavering efforts to combat criminal activities and protect public and private infrastructure within the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Police Command has carried out a series of strategic raids targeting identified black spots across the territory. “Why Do Police Carry Out Daily Raids? These proactive operations are aimed at: Preventing Crime: Targeting criminal black-spots to deter and prevent crimes before they occur, ensuring a safer environment for residents.

Protecting Infrastructure: Disrupting activities that lead to the theft and vandalism of public infrastructure such as manhole covers, streetlights, and power cables among others.

“The Command identified and raided the following criminal hideouts across the FCT: Apo-Dutse Panteka; Diplomatic Zone; New PDP Secretariat; Kabusa Panteka; Ajakaita (Tungan-Maje); Abuja-Kaduna Road; Jabi Panteka; Apo-Waru Panteka; Area 1 (Monkey Village); Durumi Village; Gwarimpa; Angwan Tivi; Mpape (Mashafa and Shishinpe villages); Durumi III (Burukutu Garden);Mabushi (Gishiri Village); Kubwa (by Pipeline and NEPA Road) and Maitama (under the Transcorp Bridge). “ Adeh stated that during the daily raids in the listed areas, operatives have 348 suspects for various criminal activities.

“ She also said the command recovered weapons, manholes, and streetlights among others. Adeh stated, “Seizure of 10 trucks loaded with vandalized metals, disrupting the market for stolen items; Recovery of 26 manhole covers and 20 solar/streetlight poles, ensuring the restoration of critical public infrastructure.

“Confiscation of large quantities of AEDC armoured cables, preventing further vandalism, Seizure of substantial quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and assorted hard drugs, reducing drug-related crimes. Recovery of 11 firearms, eliminating dangerous weapons from circulation.”