Aliyu Umar Yusuf, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, has firmly declared that lawmakers will not sit idly while any political appointee or individual attempts to undermine the authority of the legislative chamber.
This declaration was made on Wednesday during a session with Assembly correspondents, following the long-awaited appearance of Hajiya Aishat Oyiza Omade, the Coordinator of the Kogi State Social Investment Programme Agency (KOSSIPA), who had repeatedly ignored the House’s invitations over several months.
The Speaker emphasized that under his leadership, the Assembly will never be reduced to a subject of mockery. He affirmed the commitment of the current eighth Assembly to defend the integrity and independence of the legislature, irrespective of pressure or influence.
“She wasn’t even qualified to appear before the full Assembly except under exceptional circumstances. According to the committee’s report, she had failed to respond to several invitations. The committee submitted their findings to the House, and lawmakers unanimously resolved to compel her appearance to uphold the committee’s authority,” he stated.
Aliyu explained that the Assembly’s strong statement earlier in the week was necessary to reinforce the legislative body’s authority. He reiterated that all public officeholders in Kogi State are accountable to the House and can be summoned at any time to provide clarity on their activities.
“Her appearance was long overdue, and we’ve advised her to operate strictly within the confines of the law. We’ve also extended this caution to all other government appointees, reminding them that every office is governed by statutes and procedures that must be respected,” the Speaker added.
He clarified that the Assembly showed restraint by returning the matter to the same committee that she had initially ignored. “She cannot act as though she’s above the committee. This move has reinstated the committee’s control over the matter. Let it be noted that no petition or formal complaint had been filed against her prior to this summons.”
“The issue lies in her persistent refusal to honor the committee overseeing her agency. Her compelled attendance serves as a message to all public officials – no one is exempt from the authority of the Kogi State House of Assembly,” he warned.
Aliyu reaffirmed that the Assembly committees are empowered by law to carry out oversight functions crucial to ensuring effective governance in the state.
He also dismissed allegations that the lawmakers had been compromised or had ulterior motives in handling the situation with Omade.
“Let the public know that no bribe or influence occurred. If we were not serious, we wouldn’t have raised the issue on the floor. This action proves that we are not rubber stamps. If necessary, we can summon even the Governor for clarification,” he noted.
“If she had failed to show up today, the consequences would have been serious and publicly visible. I don’t intend to manipulate constitutional provisions against any government official, but everyone must respect the constitution. This same Assembly screened her for the position, so why should she disregard its invitation?” he questioned.
LMSINT MEDIA earlier reported that the House had issued a warning on Tuesday to issue a bench warrant for Omade’s arrest should she fail to appear by May 7, 2025.
Omade had been previously summoned by the House Adhoc Standing Committee on Special Duties, Legislative Compliance, Government House Administration, and Governor’s Office, led by Hon. Suleiman Abdulrazak, the Majority Leader representing Okene 1 constituency.
Related News:
- Kogi Political News
- Legislative Oversight in Nigeria
- Recent Kogi Assembly Updates
- How Lawmakers Ensure Accountability
- Nigerian Constitution – National Assembly
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