Al-Makura: Reports Of Fresh Impeachment Moves Mere Speculation

Governor Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa State yesterday described reports suggesting fresh moves by the state House of Assembly to impeach him as mere speculation.

The governor had some few weeks ago escaped impeachment when a seven-man panel set up by the State Chief Judge quashed all the charges leveled against him by the lawmakers since they (lawmakers) refused to appear before it and prove their allegations.

Al-Makura, who spoke with State House Correspondents shortly after he met with President Goodluck Jonathan, however, noted that if the alleged fresh move for his impeachment by the lawmakers happens to be true, he will respond when that time comes.

“That is within the realm of speculation; I don’t want to respond to speculation. Once we get to the bridge, we will cross it. The other one (the failed impeachment process) is already behind me, but if there is any one they are planning, when the time comes we will respond”, he stated.

The embattled governor said his meeting with the president bordered on the security situation in his state, noting that Jonathan, who is the leader of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, required an update from him as leader of his state, in respect of the situation in Nasarawa where ethnic clashes have led to loss of life and property.

He said, “You are aware that we have faced some certain security challenges in my state, but by God’s grace we are on top of the situation. My purpose for visiting Mr President is to give him an update on what is happening in the state and I can assure you that things are calming down now. We are on top of the situation.

“We found it very necessary to invite all stakeholders for what we called ‘Peace Summit’ because we have come to realise that the issue of security should not be left in the hands of government or security operatives alone”.