A drama is playing out in the impeachment saga against Governor Murtala Nyako and his deputy, Bala Ngillari, as the governor has declared a 2-day holiday in the state beginning from today, ending tomorrow.
The holiday apparently conflicts with the period earlier fixed by the Acting Chief Justice of the state, Justice Ambrose Mammadi, who had slated today for the swearing in of the seven-man committee to investigate acts of misconduct and misappropriation levelled against Nyako and his deputy by the Adamawa State House of Assembly.
Justice Mammadi, who announced yesterday in Yola, the state capital, that the swearing in of the seven-man committee will take place today, was appointed as acting Chief Justice of the state exactly three months ago today, thus, his term ends also today, since they are said to be appointed in that position for a period of three months in acting capacity.
Consequently, with the scenario playing out, the Acting Chief Judge’s planned swearing in of the panel, slated for nine o’ clock in the morning today, before expiration of his tenure in the same day, falls within the two-day holiday declared by Nyako.
Indeed, Governor Nyako, yesterday, explained that the two work free days were to enable the citizens of the state to reflect and pray over the socio-political crisis and worsening security situation of the state, in particular, and country, at large.
The governor, who made this position know to reporters through a text message by his spokesman, Ahmadu Sajoh, said: “This (the holiday) is to enable the people to reflect on the current happenings in the country and to use the period to offer special prayers for peace in the state and the county.’’
Nyako believed the period is also to allow Adamawa State workers reflect on their current challenges and for thanksgiving to God for protecting them despite all the challenges, Sajoh claimed in the text.
However, counsel to Governor Nyako, Barrister Kanu Agagu[SAN], faulted the whole impeachment process and headed to the Appeal Court to challenge the decision of the acting chief judge to set up the seven-man committee despite the fact that he (the judge) is presiding over a case filled by the governor challenging the legality of the lawmakers to serve him the impeachment notice through newspapers.