Al- Makura appears before panel, dismisses allegations

(thenationonlineng)
Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has dismissed as spurious and unfounded the 16-count allegations of misconduct levelled against him by the state House of Assembly.

His lawyers also urged the panel to “enter a notice of dismissal of the impeachment notice served on the governor for wants of proof” of the allegations.

Al- Makura, who appeared on Monday before the seven-man panel constituted by the state Chief Judge, Suleiman Dikko, said appearing in person before the panel was to set the records straight and in line with his deep respect for the rule of law and the constitution of the Country.

The governor, who made his way into the premises of the state ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and headed straight into the Conference Hall of the building at about 10am amidst tight security, looked calm and unperturbed.

As soon as he was introduced to make his defense, Almakura told the investigative panel headed by Yusuf Shehu Usman that he had done nothing wrong in the course of discharging his responsibility as the governor of the state. He noted that up till the time of his appearing before the panel he was yet to be served any notice by the House of Assembly.

Al- Makura said: “I must state, Mr. Chairman, and panel members that making this appearance in person and for the records, I want to say I was not served any notice by the House of Assembly. I am appearing in response to the hearing notice served on me by the panel and my appearance is to defend myself and clear my name against these spurious and unfounded allegations made against me.

“I intend to defend myself during the proceedings by my representatives who will carry on. I have already prepared my defense and I have been informed by my counsel that it has been prepared and filed accordingly.”

He also hinted that those who preferred allegations against him and accused him of misconduct not only erred in the ways and manner they pursued their goals but violated the constitution of the country, stressing that at the proper time he would challenge them in Court for the violation of the constitution.

“What this panel is doing today is a call to duty in compliance with the constitution of Nigeria. The activities and result of this panel’s proceeding will determine the wellbeing of the state. I pray that God guides the panel to do what is right for the people of the state, the constitution and the country,” the governor stated.

However, shortly after the governor’s remarks, his counsel led by U. N Udechukwu (SAN) pleaded with the panel to allow the governor take his leave in order to attend to other matters concerning the state.