Kogi Assembly Suspends Nine Members, LG Bosses, Over Alleged Terrorism, Misappropriation

By Ayodele Oni

In what is perceived as disloyalty, and party indiscipline, nine members of Kogi State House of Assembly, eight council chairmen and three vice chairmen have been suspended.

Although allegation against them is alleged terrorism, which is seen as trumped up charge as they were accused of working against the interest of the ruling All Progressives Congress, in the state during last election.

The chairman of Lokoja Local Government, Dansabe Muhammed who is also suspended is alleged of misappropriating fund which amounts to about N150 million.

Reading the letters at plenary, the Speaker, Mathew Kolawole said the correspondence from the Governor stated that the lawmakers were involved in terrorist activities based on security report while another letter from the state APC Chairman alleged that the chairmen and some vice chairmen carried out anti-party activities in the just concluded elections.

Contributing to debate on the allegation levelled against them, the Deputy Speaker, Alfa Rabiu Momoh, said the state is bigger than any personal interest and that lawmakers should not be found contravening the law.

Supporting the position, Collins Musa, argued that issue that borders on terrorism is too grave to sweep under the carpet.

The House therefore placed the nine lawmakers on suspension until investigation is concluded.

A seven man ad hoc committee headed by the Deputy Speaker, was set up by the House to investigate those on suspension. The committee Secretary is Bayero Jiya.

The councillors and the Vice Chairman of Lokoja council had written a letter accusing the council boss of reckless financial spending and misappropriation of funds without recourse to legal order.