The Adamawa State House of Assembly will consider today the report of
the panel that investigated the allegations of misconduct it levelled against
Governor Murtala Nyako.
The Buba Kaigama-led seven-man panel set up on July 8, submitted
yesterday a four-volume report to Speaker Ahmadu Fintiri.
The panelists informed the speaker that both Governor Nyako and his
Deputy Bala Ngilari failed to appear before them after being duly invited. The
chairman said, however, that did not stop its investigation into the allegations.
Fintiri promised that the House would consider the report during today’s
plenary.
Though the content of the report was not made public, it is unlikely
that Governor Murtala Nyako may have been cleared.
But Ngilari may be cleared, sources said last night.
Section 188(8) and (9) of the constitution states
“Where the panel reports to the House of Assembly that the allegation
has not been proved, no further proceedings shall be taken in respect of the
matter.
“Where the reports of the panel is that the allegations against the
holder of the office has been proved, then within 14 days of the receipt of the
report, the House of Assembly shall consider the report, and if by a resolution
of the House of Assembly supported by not less than two-thirds majority of all
its members, the report of the panel is adopted, then the holder of the office
shall stand removed from office as from the date of the adoption of the report.
Kaigama who declined to disclose the content of the report however said
the panel tried to ensure justice in the discharge of the provisions of section
188(5) under which it derives it functions.
He explained that although the panel lacked the powers to make both men
appear before the panel, it had to delay the commencement of its sitting in the
hope that they would show up since they were notified of its sitting.
According to him, the adjournment of its sitting was to allow for
representation of the respondent.
“Despite the opportunity given to the governor and the deputy to clear
themselves, it was not utilised,” he stated.
Kaigama also exonerated the panel of complicity, against the background
of alleged haste to submit its report.
“We have discharged our responsibilities to the best of our ability and
it is left for God to judge us rightly or wrongly,” Kaigama said.
He said the members appreciated the rare privilege given to them to
serve on the panel.