Panel to probe Nyako’s tenure begins sitting

The panel inaugurated by Alhaji Umaru Fintri, acting governor of Adamawa State, to probe the administration of Murtala Nyako, the immediate past governor who was impeached on July 15, commenced sitting on Friday at the New High Court Complex, Yola.

Chaired by Justice Bobbo Umar, the panel, which has four weeks to investigate the expenditure of the state government between 2007 and 2014 when Nyako was at the helm of affairs, has invited members of the public to present any document that could serve as evidence for or against the impeached governor.

Fintri had accused his predecessor of leaving behind a debt estimated at N82 billion, an allegation that Nyako denied.

Nyako had things working for him until late last year when he crossed over to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the platform under which he was elected.

But on June 18, about 20 PDP lawmakers of the assembly moved a motion for his impeachment, while the house directed its clerk to serve an impeachment notice to him.

After losing the battle to keep hold of his governorship seat, Nyako fled the country.

An election for his successor has been scheduled for October 11, as Fintri is only meant to occupy the office for a period not later than 90 days, as stipulated by the constitution.

Those who appeared before the panel include state chairman, board of internal revenue, Alhaji Idris Tuta; permanent secretary, local government ministry, Mr. Kennedy Dauda; accountant-general of the state, Alhaji Nasiru Mohammed; and permanent secretary, ministry of finance, Geoffrey Garba.