Matawalle’s Defection: Court stops Zamfara lawmakers from impeaching deputy governor
The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has restrained the Zamfara House of Assembly from impeaching Deputy Governor Mahdi Gusau.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu gave the order while delivering a ruling in an ex parte motion with a suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/650/2021) brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) through its lawyer, Ogwu Onoja.
Mr Egwuatu, who ordered the defendants to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice, also stopped the house from impeaching its other members who are still in the PDP.
He directed the plaintiff to serve all the defendants in the suit before Friday and adjourned the matter until July 23 to hear the motion on notice.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC, Senate President, Speaker of House of Representatives, Speaker of Zamfara House of Assembly, Governor Bello Matawalle and Zamfara chief judge are first to seventh defendants, respectively.
Recently, Mr Matawalle defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but his deputy, Mr Gusau, did not.
The lawmakers in the state had threatened to impeach Mr Gusau over activities they considered a threat to Zamfara security.
The PDP, through its lawyer, had urged the court to grant its prayer in the interest of justice.
The party said the court had the inherent power to grant the order.
“This is the only place we can run to, especially in a situation of chaos the state has found itself,” said PDP.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 1
Obi Campaign Crisis: ‘Unheard of, nonsensical’, NDC leader Dickson blasts OK Movement
“Never in the history of the world have support groups set up a presidential campaign council. It’s unheard of and nonsensical,” said Seriake Dickson.
Health
NCDC tightens Ebola surveillance in Nigeria
NCDC says travellers from countries with active or relevant Ebola transmission may need Health Declaration Forms under enhanced surveillance measures.
Abuja
EFCC chair Olukoyede meets LG chairs, traditional rulers over corruption
EFCC tells council chairs and traditional rulers in Nigeria that anti-corruption enforcement would penetrate the grassroots to bring development closer to the people.
Rights
Ondo attorney general seeks end to autopsy fees for homicide victims
The attorney general of Ondo, Olukayode Ajulo, has called for an end to the payment of autopsy fees by families of suspected homicide victims.
Sport
4,000 athletes competing in Akwa Ibom sports festival: Gov Eno
According to Mr Eno, sports play a significant role in his administration’s ARISE agenda, especially in developing and empowering youths.
States
Police nab alleged notorious drug dealer Chukwudi Eguzouwa in Abia
The police command in Abia says it raided criminal hideouts and arrested an alleged notorious drug dealer, Chukwudi Eguzouwa, 49, of Ahiabubi, Isiala Ngwa North LGA.
