LAFIA— Hell was literally let loose, yesterday, in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital as supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, engaged in a free-for-all, using dangerous weapons over attempts to impeach the state governor, Alhaji Umaru Tanko Al-Makura by the state House of Assembly.
Reacting to the impeachment move last Wednesday, some youths demonstrated at the Orange Market at Mararaba, Keffi, Akwanga and other parts of the state capital, prompting the deployment of hundreds of anti-riot policemen and other security operatives who quelled the protests.
Fresh crisis, however, erupted yesterday, when it became known that the state lawmakers had advertised the impeachment notice in two newspapers, following inability of the Clerk of the House to personally serve the governor.
Resident took to the Street over impeachment plot in Nasarawa State
Supporters of the ruling APC immediately took to the streets in Tundun Kwandara area of Lafia and burnt down a billboard advertising the PDP which elicited violent response from PDP supporters. In the process, many of the protesters were injured while houses were set ablaze.
One of the victims, a youth who sustained a matchet cut injury, reportedly went into coma having lost much blood. He was rushed to the intensive care unit of Dalhatu Arafat specialist hospital, Lafia.
Residents were apprehensive that the clash may degenerate into a religious fight as the injured youth is a Christian of Eggon extraction. The clash was also said to have taken place in an Eggon area.
The police PPRO, ASP Numan Ismaila, who confirmed the incident in Lafia said that the force had made some arrests , while investigation has commenced. He also said the officers and men of the police force have been deployed to the area to restore peace and order.
Reactions trail Ngilari’s “forced” resignation
Meanwhile, mixed reactions have trailed the purported resignation of the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Mr James Bala Ngilari, who claimed that he signed the letter of resignation under duress.
Following the impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako, his deputy, Ngilari was said to have also resigned and submitted his letter to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly. Ngilari said that a truck load of armed policemen stormed his house and forced him to sign a resignation letter addressed to the Speaker of the House. He insisted that he remained the Deputy Governor.
Reacting to his claim, Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN, said: “I find it curious and spurious for an adult to say that kind of thing. It was amazing for him to say that. Was it that a gun was put to his head?
Impeachment— Nasarawa State residents took to the streets, yesterday, protesting moves to impeach Governor Tanko Al-Makura. Photos: Gbemiga Olamikan.
Impeachment— Nasarawa State residents took to the streets, yesterday, protesting moves to impeach Governor Tanko Al-Makura. Photos: Gbemiga Olamikan.
“Why saying all that now? He is not a primary school boy, he was a Deputy Governor of a state. I think such person and issue should not be given any prominence”.
In his reaction, Mr Emeka Ngige, SAN, said: “His case can be examined in line with section 306 (5) of the 1999 constitution, which states that: “The notice of resignation of the governor and of the Deputy Governor of a state shall respectively be addressed to the Speaker of the House of Assembly and the governor of the state”.
What this means is that the governor shall submit his resignation letter to the Speaker of the House, while the Deputy Governor shall submit his resignation letter to the Governor.
“The Deputy Governor may have sent the letter to the House of Assembly out of ignorance or by intimidation. He may have been instructed by the lawmakers believing that they were in charge.
“Technically, he remains the acting Governor of Adamawa State, if he goes to court, the court may set the resignation aside”.
Vanguard
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