TheCable

Embattled governor of Nasarawa state, Umaru Al-Makura, on Monday appeared before the seven-man panel inaugurated to investigate the allegations filed against him by the state house of assembly.

The governor, who has been receiving support from a section of the Nasarawa public ever since impeachment proceedings against him commenced, had earlier signified his intention to appear before the panel to prove his innocence.

“I have made up my mind to appear before the panel of inquiry constituted in accordance with the constitution of Nigeria to clear myself of any allegation against me and to publish the outcome on any medium I will choose at the end,” Al-Makura had said while receiving a delegation that paid him a visit during Ramadan.

He matched his words with action by arriving at the venue of the panel in Lafia on Monday – a stark contrast to the manner in which Murtala Nyako, his Adamawa counterpart, shunned the panel constituted to probe the allegations against him.

On Saturday, governor of Kano state, Rabiu Kwankwaso, had spoken of Al-Makura’s refusal of an offer to assist him. 

“On our volition, we suggested to him to allow us mobilise our foot soldiers; he refused,” Kwankwaso said.

“We also appealed to him to allow us come in physically. He refused, always distancing himself from such expertise that would assist him.”

Following a directive of the state house of assembly, the chief judge of Nasarawa state, Justice Suleiman Dikko, constituted the panel, chaired by Mr. Yusuf Usman, on July 25.