By Adekunle Williams
The Campaign for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (CCHR), a rights group, has hailed a court ruling voiding the impeachment of Lagos Assembly Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa.
The Executive Secretary of the group, Mr Toyin Raheem, who hailed the ruling in a statement in Lagos on Thursday,
said that Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja voided the removal of the Speaker.
The court declared Obasa’s removal during an official trip to the United States was illegal, unconstitutional and without legal standing.
It also nullified all proceedings and resolutions made by the Assembly on Jan. 13, the day of his removal.
Raheem said the ruling was a victory for democracy and that it was in the interest of the Assembly and the state.
He congratulated the Speaker on the verdict, saying his approach in pursuit of justice was commendable .
Raheem enjoined Assembly members and legislative staff to cooperate with the speaker to move the state forward.
The executive secretary said the judgment had once again affirmed that the court was the last hope of the common man and that it was the haven for the protection of citizen’s integrity,
“The laws are very obvious without any ambiguity. Something can never be built on nothing. No process that fails to comply with the rule of law can stand.
“The said impeachment was a political drama by some elements. Obasa has never been impeached and we are glad the judgement by the court of law has vindicated him.
“We are not oblivious of the fact that the Assembly has the power to decide on its leadership.
“However, it cannot act in isolation without strict adherence to the rule of law. Sentiment in whatever form has no place in law.
“This judgement should be hailed by all and sundry as a victory for democracy and protection of all leaders , the speakers of the House of Assemblies in Nigeria,” Raheem said.
It will be recalled that Obasa filed a suit on Feb. 12 through his lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu, (SAN), challenging the legality of his removal.
He argued the Assembly was on recess and he was abroad, making the session used to remove him invalid and unauthorised
Obasa maintained that the session lacked proper authority or a formal delegation of power from the Speaker’s office
He listed the House of Assembly and Deputy Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, as defendants in the suit.
His legal challenge was based on nine grounds, citing the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Assembly Standing Orders.
The court’s decision voids all actions taken during the Assembly session held on Jan. 13. (NAN)
