The Zamfara State House of Assembly has revealed why it embarked on impeachment process against Deputy Governor of the state, Barrister Mahadi Aliyu Gusau, saying it was based on alleged gross misconduct.
Addressing newsmen Monday evening at the State House of Assembly in Gusau, the chairman house standing committee on information, Honourable Shamsudeen Hassan Bosko said they are only exercising their constitutional obligations.
“As you may be aware members of the State House of Assembly in discharge of their Constitutional duties formally served the Speaker with impeachment notice of His Excellency the Deputy Governor Mahadi Aliyu Muhammad Gusau on the allegation of serious gross misconduct.
“Today been, the 7th day of February, 2022, I Shamsudeen Hasan Bosko, Chairman House Standing Committee on Information of Zamfara State House of Assembly present to you official position of the House that all members have endorsed notice of impeachment of the State deputy Governor.
“The Speaker Zamfara State House of Assembly received notice of impeachment of His Excellency the Deputy Governor in person of Barr. Mahadi Aliyu Muhammad Gusau and have satisfied the requirement of Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which requires 1/3 of whole Members of the House to endorse notice of impeachment.
He maintained that the House under the leadership of the Speaker accepted the notice as proper and in accordance with the provisions of the Law.
“The Speaker in conformity of statutes has dully served the Deputy Governor through the Secretary to the State Government.
“somewhere in 2021 in the month of July or thereabout House in the discharge of its Constitutional duties officially invited His Excellency the Deputy Governor in person of Barr. Mahadi Aliyu Gusau under the provisions of Section 128 and 129 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
“His Excellency the Deputy Governor in person of Mahadi Aliyu Muhammad Gusau mischievously approached Federal High Court in Abuja alleging that this House is on the process of impeaching him”.
He said the Court in its wisdom ordered for maintenance of statutes quo ante bellum by both parties on that matter.
“This gave His Excellency the Deputy Governor in person of Barr. Mahadi Aliyu Gusau right to perform all functions of a Deputy Governor in the State and not honour the invitation of this House”.
He explained that the House as institution of Law and order obeyed that Court order obtained exparte, an order with specific days of life span.
According to him, the allegations against His Excellency the Deputy Governor Mahadi Aliyu Muhammad Gusau was Abuse of office.
“This include Constitutional breached of section 190 and 193 (1), (2) (a)(b)(c), of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
“Criminal self-enrichment using public funds: This includes criminal diversion of State fund, Conspiracy to defraud the State and approval of dubious retirement in his office. Failure to discharge Constitutional duties which gave rise to insubordination.
“Zamfara State 6th Assembly under the leadership of Speaker, Nasiru Mu’azu Magarya cherish rule of Law, most especially obedient to Courts of the land, but always ready to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
“Its pertinent for general public to know, the Zamfara State House of Assembly is independent, does not issue contract or execute project, rather it perform the Constitutional duties of oversight function as enshrined in the Nigeria’s enabling Laws.
“In other words, there are formal laid down procedures of acquiring information from the House including its finances, so any figures or amount issued by anybody being a Member, Political appointee, Political aide, Media aide or Staff of the House which does not fulfilled such requirement is in nullity” he added.
