Jigawa assembly removes speaker for ‘abusing his powers’

Idris Garba, speaker of the Jigawa state house of assembly, has been removed for alleged high-handedness and abuse of power.

In the place of Garba, who represents Gwaram constituency, the lawmakers immediately elected Isa Idris.

Ahmed Garba, the deputy speaker, presided over the sitting, which was attended by 23 lawmakers.

Prior to Garba’s removal, Hussaini Ali, clerk of the house, had read on the floor of the house an impeachment notice signed by 25 of the 30 assembly members.

The deputy speaker, who confirmed the number of members that signed the notice, said it met the constitutional requirement of two thirds to impeach any of its principal officers.

“With this development, I hereby declare the seat of the Speaker vacant and a fresh election should be conducted to elect the new speaker,” NAN quoted him as saying.

Two lawmakers — Isa Dutse of Dutse municipal constituency and Isa Idris — were nominated for the election to replace the impeached speaker.

The latter won by 12 to six votes, while five members were indifferent.