From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State House of Assembly has suspended nine of its members on allegation bordering on terrorism.
This was after the House Speaker, Rt Hon Prince Mathew Kolawole read a letter from the state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello alleging that the lawmakers engaged in terrorism acts based on security report.
Contributing to debate on the allegation levelled against them, the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Alfa Rabiu Momoh Ankpa 11 state constituency, supported the suspension of the lawmakers , saying the state is bigger than any personal interest and that lawmakers should not be found contravening the law.
Also Hon Collins Musa , Omala state constituency aligned himself with the Deputy Speaker arguing that issue that borders on terrorism is too great to be sweep under the carpet.
The House therefore placed the nine lawmakers on suspension until investigation is concluded.
The suspended lawmakers are : Olusola Kilani (Ijumu), Bello Hassan, ( Ajaokuta), Muhammed Lawi Ahmed, (Okene 1), Moses Akande, ( Ogori), Magongo) Aderonke Aro, (Yagba West) Daniyan Ranyi (Bassa) Atule Igbunu, ( Ibaji) Atachaji Musa, (Idah) and Muktar Bajeh (Okehi).
Also the House placed on suspension seven council Chairmen on allegation of electoral violence. The chairmen are that of Bassa, Hon Muktari Shaibu with his Vice Chairman, the Chairman of Ogori/Magongo, Hon Okparison and his Vice , Chairman of Yagba West, Hon Pius Kolawole, the Chairman of Ibaji LGA, Chairman of Kabba/Bunu, Hon Moses Olorunleke and his Vice, Adebimpe Alfred, Chairman of Adavi LGA, Joseph Omuya, and Mustapher Ajaokuta, LGA.
Meanwhile, a seven man ad hoc committee headed by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Rabiu was set up by the House to investigate those on suspension.The committee Secretary is Bayero Jiya.
In an another development, the House also placed the Council boss of Lokoja Local Government, Hon Dansabe Muhammed , on suspension based on allegation of misappropriation of funds which amounts to the tune N150 million.
The councillors and the Vice Chairman had written a letter accusing the council boss of reckless financial spending and misappropriation of funds without recourse to legal order.
End.