Fayose's frozen account: PDP Governors ask Buhari to caution the EFCC
Wed Jun 22, 2016 07:45:am Politics
3.6K By Buchi Obichie
The freezing of the personal accounts of Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was yesterday described as a 'gross abuse of the Constitution', by the Peoples Democratic Party Governor's Forum.
Speaking on behalf of all members, the Chairman of the forum, Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call the anti-graft agency to order.
Reacting further on the development, Mimiko noted that the EFCC had by its action, portrayed the nation as being in crisis.
He stated that it was contrary to Section 308 of the 1999 constitution, for the EFCC to tamper with the account of a sitting Governor; and was of the opinion that the anti-graft agency should have sheathed its sword until Fayose vacates office.
While he warned that the country is drifting towards totalitarianism, he insisted that the account of any individual could only be frozen after a court of competent jurisdiction has so ruled or an interim order by a court of competent jurisdiction is granted to the anti graft agency.
The Ekiti State House of Assembly has also faulted the move by the EFCC, describing it as ultra vires.
Describing the action as null and void, the Assembly said the order formed part of the resolution of the House, which also witnessed passing of a vote of confidence on Governor Fayose, at its plenary at the Assembly complex in Ado-Ekiti.
Speaker of the House, Mr Kola Oluwawole, and Leader of Business, Mr Tunji Akinyele, at plenary, noted that being the second anniversary of Fayose's election, it was a sad commentary on the nation's democracy, that after having severally tried unsuccessfully to discredit the election, the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government had resorted to arm-twisting to embarrass and cause discomfort for the Fayose-led government in Ekiti State.
Passing a vote of confidence on the Governor, the lawmakers said "the 26 of us in the House of Assembly are resolutely loyal to the Governor and his Government and no amount of intimidation or monetary inducement can sway us otherwise."
Speaking on behalf of all members, the Chairman of the forum, Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call the anti-graft agency to order.
Reacting further on the development, Mimiko noted that the EFCC had by its action, portrayed the nation as being in crisis.
He stated that it was contrary to Section 308 of the 1999 constitution, for the EFCC to tamper with the account of a sitting Governor; and was of the opinion that the anti-graft agency should have sheathed its sword until Fayose vacates office.
While he warned that the country is drifting towards totalitarianism, he insisted that the account of any individual could only be frozen after a court of competent jurisdiction has so ruled or an interim order by a court of competent jurisdiction is granted to the anti graft agency.
The Ekiti State House of Assembly has also faulted the move by the EFCC, describing it as ultra vires.
Describing the action as null and void, the Assembly said the order formed part of the resolution of the House, which also witnessed passing of a vote of confidence on Governor Fayose, at its plenary at the Assembly complex in Ado-Ekiti.
Speaker of the House, Mr Kola Oluwawole, and Leader of Business, Mr Tunji Akinyele, at plenary, noted that being the second anniversary of Fayose's election, it was a sad commentary on the nation's democracy, that after having severally tried unsuccessfully to discredit the election, the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government had resorted to arm-twisting to embarrass and cause discomfort for the Fayose-led government in Ekiti State.
Passing a vote of confidence on the Governor, the lawmakers said "the 26 of us in the House of Assembly are resolutely loyal to the Governor and his Government and no amount of intimidation or monetary inducement can sway us otherwise."
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