The Conference of Speakers in Nigeria has said it still recognises Dr. Adewale Omirin as the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.
Omirin was impeached by seven members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly last week.
The Speakers of State Houses of Assembly said they decided to support Omirin because the mode of his impeachment was illegal and unconstitutional.
The Chairman of the conference, Hon. Sam Ikon, stated this in Abuja while addressing journalists during an interactive session of Civil Society Organizations and Speakers of State Houses of Assembly on: “Constitution Amendment Bills awaiting passage.”
It was organized by Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre.
Ikon stated that there is no where in the world where a lesser number can outweigh the higher number.
He added that the conference is not partial and sentimental, adding that new speaker would have been recognised if the impeachment of Omirin had followed due process.
Also speaking, Omirin said that the governor of the state, Ayodele Fayose, has deep hatred for him and other members of the House of Assembly who are of the All Progressives Congress.
Omirin, who said he is still the legally recognized speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, having been elected by members of the House, stated that seven members do not have the constitutional power to impeach him because such number did not constitute two-third majority.
He further stated that if coming back to Ekiti State will not be conducive for them, they would stay and legislate outside the state.
Omirin added that he had earlier promised Fayose that he and other APC members would work with him to move the state forward, “but it seems the governor is not ready for the progress of the state from his behaviour”.
The chairman of the Conference of Speakers, had earlier stated that the conference will ensure that the interest of the people will be protected in ratifying the resolutions of the National Assembly in the ongoing constitution review exercise.
Ikon said: “Having learnt from previous exercise, we are resolute to join in bringing about people oriented constitution for development of our country.
“May I therefore urge my colleagues in the state houses of assembly that we take this exercise with seriousness it deserves.
“Never again should we be seen to have denied the people of the opportunity of strengthening an institution.
“The interest of our people and their well being must be paramount while playing our role of ratifying the resolutions of the National Assembly.
“In other words, the outcome must reflect the overall interest of our people.”
Speaking earlier, the Executive Director of PLAC, Clement Nwankwo, expressed the importance of the interactive session, stating that it was aimed at sensitizing the legislators on producing a people oriented legislation.
Nwankwo added that it is not out of place to allow the state House of Assembly to participate in the alteration of the constitution.
He further noted that the assignment should be seen as a national assignment where the interest of people should be placed above selfish interest.