Court nullifies impeachment of Yahaya Bello’s former deputy

Kogi Deputy Governor, Simon Achuba

A State High Court in Lokoja has nullified the impeachment of the former deputy governor of Kogi State, Simon Achuba, declaring it null and void.

Justice John Olorunfemi, in a ruling on Wednesday, said Mr Achuba’s removal was unconstitutional.

The judge said the removal was contrary to Section 188 (8) which prevents the assembly from further action having discovered that the former deputy governor was not found wanting by the panel.

He also said the nomination of Edward Onoja as the deputy governor did not follow due process.

Achuba was impeached in October 2019 by the State House of Assembly.

He was in a long-standing battle with the governor, Yahaya Bello, whom he accused of withholding his wages.