By DAVID MOLOMO, YoLA

Yesterday, the hammer dangling over the head of Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State finally fell with over two-thirds of the state’s lawmakers impeaching him for  abusing his office.

This is coming at a time when the ousted governor has vowed  to seek redress in court.

Reacting to his impeachment, Nyako said although his removal was an act of God, he would file an action in court to prove his innocence and for posterity.

The governor, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Alhaji Ahmed Sajoh, appealed to the people of the state to be calm, even as he thanked them for their support and cooperation during his tenure.

Earlier, Nyako’s deputy, Barrister Bala James Ngilari honourably resigned his position for personal reasons.

Following Nyako’s impeachment and the resignation of his deputy, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Alhaji Umaru Ahmadu Fintiri, was sworn in as acting governor pending the conduct of governorship elections in three months, in consonance with Section 199(1) and (2)of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The seven-man investigative panel inaugurated by  the former Acting Chief Judge of Adamawa State, Justice Ambrose Mammadi  had submitted its report to the House on Monday.

Speaker Fintiri had read at plenary, the findings of the panel, following which the House moved for the impeachment of the governor and resolved that the speaker be sworn in immediately as the acting governor.

The members representing Gombi and Numan constituencies, Barristers Jerry Kumdisi and Kwamoti Laori, respectively moved a motion for the impeachment of Nyako and it was immediately adopted by overwhelming majority of the House.

The speaker earlier notified the House of a letter received from the Deputy Governor, Bala James Ngilari, about his resignation. He resigned for what he said was informed by personal reasons and the House at plenary subsequently accepted it.

Meanwhile, the PDP stakeholders of Adamawa State and elders have lauded the House of Assembly for the impeachment of Nyako, which they said followed due process.

The spokesman of the forum, Dr. Umar Ardo, said the development was an indication that democracy was thriving in the country.

He said well-meaning Nigerians should support the acting governor towards the realisation of the aspirations of the state.


Source: Sun