Nyako Impeachment: Investigative Panel begins sitting

The seven-member investigative panel constituted by the acting Chief Judge of Adamawa State, Ambrose Mammadi, to investigate allegations of gross misconduct by Governor Murtala Nyako, commenced sitting on Monday.

The panel ignored the directive of the state government which had on Sunday declared Monday and Tuesday as public holidays.

Mr. Nyako had declared the holiday to allow citizens pray for peace in the state, but critics said it was aimed at stopping Mr. Mammadi from inaugurating the panel he appointed last Friday.
Mr. Mammadi’s tenure as chief judge ends on Monday, while the panel was expected to be inaugurated on Monday. No public inauguration was done.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, the Registrar of the State High Court, Abubakar Babayola, said the inauguration of the committee is a mere ceremony and not a constitutional requirement.
Mr. Babayola signed the Friday statement, on behalf of the acting Chief Judge, announcing the composition of the committee.

“The Hon. Acting Chief Judge Hon. Justice Ambrose D. Mammadi by the powers vested in him under Section 185(5) of the 1999 constitution as (amended) has approved the appointment of seven (7) Man Panel to investigate allegations of Gross Misconduct of the Executive Governor of Adamawa State Admiral Murtala Nyako and the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State Mr. Bala Ngilari,” the registrar had said.
The committee is chaired by Buba Kaimaga from Mubi Northern Zone.

The other members are Laraba Hassan, Michika Northern Zone; Njidda Kito, Song Central Zone; Joshua Abu, Hong Central Zone; Binanu Esthon, Guyuk Southern Zone; Sa’ad Lawan, Mayo-Belwa, Southern Zone; and Esthon Gapsiso, Genye Southern Zone.

The registrar had said the committee members would be sworn-in at a later, unannounced date.
However, as at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, the committee was sitting amidst tight security at J & J Holiday Villa located at Atirwucha close in Karewa GRA, Yola.

It is not clear if Messrs. Nyako and his deputy, Bala Ngilari, will appear before the committee to clear themselves of the allegations.

Twenty of the 25 lawmakers in the state had, as part of the impeachment proceedings, asked the chief judge to set up the committee.(premiumtime)