Impeachment: Investigative Panel To Probe Governor Al-Makura, Gives Assembly 24Hrs Ultimatum To Appear By Rabiu Omaku, Lafia
The investigative panel set up by the Nasarawa state Chief Judge to probe the state Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura over gross misconduct levelled against him by the Nasarawa state House of Assembly has given the lawmakers 24 hours ultimatum to appear before it, The chairman of the panel, Yusuf Usman has disclosed.
“The consequent to this, According to the chairman, we shall order the scribe of the probe panel to pest a copy of service at the gate and notice board of the House of Assembly”, He added that the panel is given the members from now to 9;00 am tomorrow”.
The chairman stated this in reaction to the submission of the lead counsel to the state Governor, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, U.N Udechukwu who said the panel has the power to dismiss the 16 count charges levelled against the chief executive by the lawmakers.
U.N Udechukwu asserted that the clerk of the Assembly breach the process of service to the Governor. “The Assembly did not respect the constitution, They did not serve the Governor the impeachment notice but went ahead to constitute an investigative panel to probe gross misconduct leveled against the Governor”.
He ascribed the inaction of the PDP lawmakers as a disservice and disdain to rule of law, The members of the Nasarawa House of Assembly including their counsel were conspicuously absent at the first sitting of the investigative panel while the Governor appeared in person in the midst of his legal team.
Nevertheless the immunity clause that shielded the chief executive from appearing before a competent court of Jurisdiction, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has today appeared before the seven man investigative panel set up by state Chief Judge to investigate the financial incongruity leveled against him by the members of the Nasarawa state House of Assembly.
The Governor who arrived the ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, The venue of the sitting at about 9:03 am alongside all his cabinet members, chairmen of Boards,Agencies,Senior Special Assistants, Special Advisers and Local Government chairman were seen waiting for the panel members that arrive at about 10:00am.
Tanko Al-Makura during his presentation said he was at this moment not served an impeachment notice by the House of Assembly instead said he only appeared in response to service by the investigative panel served him but not because of the notice of the Assembly.
“I’m appearing as democrat who respects the rule of law, I appear to clear myself from the allegation of gross misconduct leveled against me before the lawmakers”.
The chairman House committee on Information and security to the Assembly, Hon.Muhammed Ibaku when contacted on phone refuse to comment on the ongoing sitting of the investigative panel and the appearance of the Governor, The investigation panel is to resume sitting by tomorrow
