Members of the noble group,”Like Minds Alliance Pressure Group has once again applaud Governor Ododo for obeying the court order which prevented investigations on corruption cases by EFCC officers in states.
According to the leadership of the group, Governor Ododo has shown that he is ready to put his foot down when it matters.
“Governor Ododo that emerged at the end of hotly, disputed elections has continued to hit the ground running and chose to tow the path of diplomacy and fairness”, they said..
In a statement by Chief Asaje said that the powers to enforce and to also ensure that court orders are complied with are vested in the courts by the 1999 Constitution states:
(1) Section 6 (6) (a) of the the judicial powers vested in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this section..Court orders prevented investigations on corruption cases and not Governor Ododo of kogi state.
Speaking further, he stressed that the “Apex Court, in a landmark judgment in Dr. Joseph Nwobike SAN Vs Federal Republic of Nigeria, Appeal No . SC/CR/161/2020, told the anti graft agency that its powers to investigate and prosecute financial crimes under Section 46 of the EFCC Act was not at large.
The 16 states are relying on the fact that the Constitution is the supreme law and any law that is inconsistent with it, is a nullity..It is on record that the court also held that the EFCC has no power to look into the finances of states.. lt was equally held that the Federal government also can no longer use the EFCC to persecute any politicians that is not in its good book.
The governor’s can only be prosecuted by the attorney general of the state or the Nigeria Police, or any other agency that is covered by the Criminal Code, Penal Code, or any other law.. Chief Asaje opined.
He therefore urged kogi state government and the House of Assembly Members to work on the passed bill for the creation of a state -owned anti-graft agency which the state governor, Usman Ododo signed for absolute effectiveness of her duty.. Urging the state – owned anti-graft agency not to rival the EFCC and the lndependent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission.
“To me, the 16 states are arguing with facts, as the provision of the constitution necessitated the majority of the State’s House of Assembly agreeing before passing the EFCC Act and others, which was allegedly never done.. Hence, they argued that any institution so formed should be regarded as an illegal.
Exhubrances of the EFCC in the name of fighting corruption, extorting money from innocent suspects like Bobrisky 15m saga which is under investigation called for concerned.
Chief Asaje urged the EFCC Boss , HE Olukoyede to work by the ethics of the profession and should serve the nation and the commission deligently..
Section 287 of the 1999 Constitution states that; 287(1) The decisions of the Supreme Court shall be enforced in any part of the federation by all authorities and persons and by courts with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Supreme Court.
In remark, Chief Asaje state that enforcement of judgements/orders of court is a very onerous task that must be carried out deligently and responsibly…This can only be achieved with sincerity of purpose, and above all,a near mastery of the extant laws, rules and regulations guiding enforcement of judgement and orders.He concluded.
In the course of human affairs, the morning very much tells the day.. Governor has started with impressive boldness and it is hoped that he carries on in this manner. May Governor Ododo succeed.
Signed:
Secretary, Like Minds Alliance Pressure Group”,Kogi State Chapter
