By Rabiu Omaku,Lafia
Notwithstanding the immunity clause that shields the chief executive of Nasarawa State from appearing before a court, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has today appeared before the seven man investigative panel set up by the state Chief Judge to investigate the financial incongruity leveled against him by the members of the Nasarawa state House of Assembly.
The Governor arrived the ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs – the venue of the seating at about 9:03 am alongside all his cabinet members, chairmen of Boards,Agencies,Senior Special Assistants, Special Advisers and Local Government chairman. The Governor and his crew were seated waiting for the panel members that arrive at 10:00am.
The members of the Nasarawa House of Assembly including their counsel were conspicuously absent at the sitting of the investigative panel.
Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura during his presentation said he was at this moment not served an impeachment notice by the House of Assembly. He said he only appeared in response to service by the investigative panel served him but not because of the notice of the Assembly.
“I’m appearing as democrat who respects the rule of law, I appear to clear myself from the allegation of gross misconduct leveled against me before the lawmakers”.
The lead counsel to the chief executive ,Senior Advocate of Nigeria U.N Udechukwu while announcing the appearance of the Governor’s legal team asserted that the clerk of the Assembly breached the process of service to the Governor.
“The Assembly did not respect the constitution, They did not serve the Governor the impeachment notice but went ahead to constitute an investigative panel to probe gross misconduct leveled against the Governor”.
The Governor’s lead counsel ascribed the inaction of the PDP lawmakers as a de-service and disregard to rule of law.
The lead counsel to Governor Al-Makura, Udechukwu in his submission before the panel revealed that the investigate panel has the right to dismiss the 16 count charges leveled against the Governor.
The panel chairman in reaction to the opinion of the lead counsel asserted that the Assembly members are given the grace of 24 hours to appear in or sent their legal representatives.
“The consequence to this, according to the chairman, we shall order the scribe of the probe panel to pest a copy of service at the gate and notice board of the House of Assembly”, Said Yusuf Usman.
The chairman House committee on Information and security to the Assembly, Hon.Muhammed Ibaku when contacted on phone refuse to comment on the ongoing sitting of the investigative panel and the appearance of the Governor, The investigation panel is to resume sitting by tomorrow.
