Impeachment: Embattled Aliyu locks Niger Assembly gate

There was tension in Minna, the Niger State capital on Tuesday as agents of embattled Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu locked the gate of the House of Assembly to prevent the lawmakers from commencing impeachment proceedings against him.
However, the angry lawmakers broke the padlock and insisted that the governor must go.
Because of their belief that the Speaker, Alhaji Adamu Usman, was supporting the governor, he was impeached by 18 of the 27 members.
Alhaji Isa Kawu was elected as his successor.
Of the 27 members, 21 vowed that Aliyu must go.
Reason: The governor is owing each of the lawmakers about N18 million and if Aliyu leaves on May 29, they have already kissed the money bye because the incoming All Progressives Congress (APC) administration may not be favourably disposed to pay them.
The presence of scores of security men at the complex did not stop the lawmakers from breaking the padlock and commencing impeachment moves against the governor.
The motion to impeach Usman was moved by Jacob Maaji (Lavun) and seconded by Ibrahim Dama (Katcha).
Other newly elected officials included Alhaji Bello Agwara, Deputy Speaker; Hajiya Sa’adatu Kolo (Mashegu), Chief Whip, and Alhaji Yusuf Kure as Majority Leader.
After his swearing in by the Clerk of the House, Kawu pledged to ensure a harmonious working relationship in the legislature within the short period remaining.
“We will ensure that our legislative duty continued as usual and our oversight functions will be strengthened for better results to the people,” he said.
Reacting to his removal outside the Assembly complex, Usman told newsmen that the impeachment was null and void, insisting that he remains the speaker.
He said that the Chief Judge of the state has given an order restraining the House, the Clerk and security agencies from recognising the new officials.
Usman added that no allegation was levelled against him that could warrant his removal.