In a recent statement on Arise TV, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, addressed the procedure for removing a speaker, asserting that it is not open to legal challenge.
According to Ikuforiji, the process of electing and potentially removing a speaker is clearly defined in the law, and lawmakers are well within their rights to remove their leader if they see fit.
He said, “Anyone who sits in the speaker’s seat in any assembly must be aware that they are there at the mercy of their members. You are not their head or leader; you are merely the ‘first among equals.’ This means you can be removed at any time, even without any explanation.”
Drawing a distinction between the speaker’s role and that of an elected governor, Ikuforiji noted that the procedure for removing a speaker differs significantly from the impeachment process outlined in Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, which governs the removal of a governor.
While the impeachment of a governor requires specific grounds, Ikuforiji emphasized that the speaker’s removal is far more flexible.
He said, “The head of the parliament, in this case, the speaker, is at the mercy of their members. They don’t have to provide reasons for their decision to remove the speaker. If the members are no longer interested in the individual leading them, that’s enough. They can remove you for something as trivial as wearing powder if they find it offensive.”
To Get More News, Click The Button Below.👇