Probe panel frees Al-Makura from impeachment

The impeachment panel constituted to investigate the 16 count allegations of gross misconduct filed against governor of Nasarawa state, Tanko Al-Makura, by the state house of assembly on Tuesday dismissed the allegations, saying the governor has no case to answer.

Al-Makura made a surprise appearance before the seven-man panel on Monday, denying the allegations.

However, the lawmakers made no representation at the sitting of the panel in Lafia, alleging that the panel lacks independence to probe the governor.

Mr. Yusuf Usman, chairman of the panel, took time to examine each of the allegations and also listened to the legal representatives of the panel led by Ocha Ulegede.

Uleged had alleged that due process was not followed while constituting the panel.

Setting aside the position of the legal representatives, the panel absolved Al-Makura of the allegations.

One of the supporters of the governor described the ruling as a victory for democracy and the people of Nasarawa.

While his impeachment travails lasted, Al-Makura received tremendous support from a section of the public, who staged a number of protests against his removal.

Al-Makura’s impeachment had been widely expected to sail through, as all 20 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members of the 24-man assembly  were pushing for it.