ASSEMBLY DRAGS GOV AL-MAKURA TO COURT OVER APPOINTMENTS

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has dragged Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura to a Lafia High Court seeking interlocutory injunction to restrain the governor from appointing Development Area Management Committee members.

In a motion on notice filed by its counsel, Uncha Elegeda Esq, the House is also asking the court to stop the recently appointed administrators from assuming office pending the determination of the suit. The House via a resolution queried the governor for appointing 16 development areas management committees, saying the appointment was null and void.

It also passed the resolution freezing the accounts of the 16 development areas to prevent Al-makura appointees from having access to public funds to run the development areas. The resolution also directed the clerk to write all banks operating in the state, the ministry of Local Governments and the state governor, informing them of the lawmakers' decision.

House Majority Leader, Godiya Akwashiki raised the issue under matter of public interest, saying Al-makura action contravened Section 4, (6,7) of 1999 Constitution and section 43, 80 and 81 of 2009 Local Government Law.

Muhammad Muluku (PDP, Nasarawa-Eggon East) Francis Orogu (PDP Keana) Muhammed Baba Ibaku (PDP Udege/Loko) and Nathaniel Ajomesa (CPC Lafia North) also contributing called for the freezing of the accounts, and the voiding of the governor's appointment. Speaker of the House, Musa Ahmed Muhammad, who ruled on the matter, passed the resolutions accordingly.

Commenting on the matter, Madaki Adah Goje (PDP Toto/Gadebike) said the action of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura had contravened Sections 80, 81 of 2009 Local Government Laws, which provides for the administrators of development areas to function as implementing agents of elected local government chairmen. 'Now that there are no elected chairmen in place, the governor has no right to appoint management committee at the development areas of the state.'