Nasarawa Assembly summons Al-Makura

[DT]

Members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly yesterday, shouted down on their Minority Leader, Tanko Maikatako of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), when he suggested that out of respect for Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, he should appear before their Executive Session today to face questioning over alleged cases of constitutional breaches levelled against him by the legislators.

Before the governor appeared to make the presentation of the 2012 Appropriation Bill, the lawmakers observed that since assumption of office in May, Almakura continued to carry on with his programmes and actions as though he was running a private estate, explaining that he severally flouted provisions of the constitution which also provides for his office. Mention was made particularly  last week redeployment of the most senior civil servants at the local government and development area levels,who have been acting as chairmen since November 3, 2010, as well as the appointment of a new managing director to head an agency in the state.

Majority Leader, Godiya Akawashiki who raised the matter under Matters of Public Interest, had drawn the attention of the House, informing members that the governor flouted constitutional provisions to seek approval for the recent appointment, just as he insisted that the redeployment of 39 senior civil servants back to the local Government Service Commission in Lafia, did not follow due process because there was no explanation as to what they are expected to do in Lafia.

Abdulkareem Usman (Wamba PDP), Francis Orogo (KEana PDP, Mohammed Baba Ibaku (Udege/Loco PDP), and Mohammed Muluku (Nasarawa-Eggon-East PDP), made various contributions, alleging that the governor was neck deep in constitutional breaches, and suggested that he be summoned to appear before the House today, to answer questions.

It was at this time that the Minority Leader, Maikatako (Lafia-Central CPC), rose with a plea for Al-Makure to appear for questioning at the Executive Session, rather than the floor of the House, where newsmen would be gathered at the gallery. He said his suggestion was out of respect for the position Al-Makura is occupying as governor.

But his colleagues shouted him down and resolved that the governor appear today on the floor of the House.



DailyTrust