Rabiu Omaku, Lafia
In spite of the resolution of the beleaguered Nasarawa state Lawmakers directing the state Chief Judge, Justice, Suleiman Dikko to re-constitute the seven man panel, The probe panel headed by retired legal luminary, Yusuf Usman held its inaugural sitting behind close door at the premises of the state ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs today.
The chairman of the panel, Yusuf Usman assured the publics that the committee will adhere to the provision of the constitution, He stated this while briefing journalist at the end of the inaugural sitting of the panel which has three months to report submit it findings to the state House of Assembly as ordered by the Chief Judge.
He further opined that the modus operandis of the panel are in consonance with the nation’s constitution, He asserted that the positions of the panel arrived at include
1. Choosing a suitable venue for the sitting
2. Ensure that all parties involved are given equal opportunity to present necessary documents
3. Meetings will be made public
While reacting on the resolution of the lawmakers calling for the reconstitution of the members of the panel due to some allegations raised by the Assembly members, The chairman decline comment saying the panel is not in position to comment on that.
“we can’t say anything on this matter because it did not concern us”He added.
In same vain, The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura on public affairs, Hon.Abdul-Hamid Kwarra described the sitting as illegal, disregard to constituted authority, legislative insanity, total disregard to rule of law and sheer desperation on the part of the lawmakers.
“The House as an epitome of adherence to the rule of law ,due process and constitutionality ,regrettably ,However the case of the members is in total violation of all relevant laws”, said Abud-Hamid Kwarra,He further asserted that the resolution of the Assembly directing the CJ to re-constitute the recently inaugurated panel to investigate the allege gross misconduct leveled against the Governor “.
Adding that the said resolution was purported to be hinged on the notion that the seven-man panel was constituted with people of questionable characters, He described the sitting as a mere congregation of concerned lawmakers, The SSA condemned the resolution as undemocratic.
“how can the legislative arm be the Judiciary ?We note with dismay that the members will probate and re-probate on a matter that is before His Lordship ,The Chief Judge of the state, This is probably because the House is beginning to discover the futility of their action and will therefore , do anything to scuttle the process, The Governor promise to appear before the panel in order to clear his good name and the reputation his administration which was built on the fortress of transparency and accountability.
Hon.Abdul-Hamid Kwarra debunked the position of PDP members alluding that the Governor sponsored thugs to prevent them from sitting in Lafia,The state capital as a reason why the House sit in Karu for that purpose, The SSA on public Affairs said Hon.Muhammed Baba Ibaku,The chairman, House committee on Information and Security is ignorant of the country’s constitution.
Our position
On the issue of the purported resolution of the concerned members we wish to reiterate that the sitting is illegal, unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect whatsoever.
That the aggrieved members should go to court to challenge the composition of the investigative panel.
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Al-Makura when asked whether the state Governor will appear in person before the probe committee, He averred that the state Government has hired the service of veteran jurist which he listed to includes
1.U.N Udechukwu as the lead counsel
2. Olufunke Aboyade (SAN)
3. Prof.Earnest Ojukwu –Civil lawyer
4.Kayode Aina Esq
5.O.O Adeleye Esq
6. Alatoyi Akinbode Esq
7.Abdulwasiu Musa Esq
8.S.I Umbachu Esq
9.Benjamin Nwosu Esq
