Soldiers Take Over Chief Judge’s Residence

Soldiers numbering over 10, took over the home of the CJ in the Maskari area of Jimeta on Friday shortly before Mammadi was caused to be announced on public radio and television
stations, the names of the seven-member panel to probe the allegations of misdeeds against embattled governor Nyako.

Although it was not clear why the armed soldiers had to swoop on the residence of the topmost judicial officer in the state at the time they did, there were fears that the action might not be unconnected with the sustained move by the state House of Assembly to remove the governor over allegations of misappropriation of funds.

Findings by one of our correspondents indicated that the soldiers were still at the residence of the CJ as at Monday evening and might not quit until the CJ inaugurates the impeachment panel against Nyako.

Nyako’s declaration of a two-day prayer holiday on Monday and Tuesday, prevented the CJ from inaugurating the panel, which nonetheless did not deter the members from proceeding with their assignment, which may be concluded within a few days before the embattled governor can push for an appeal.

The presence of the soldiers at Mammadi’s house notwithstanding, the Defence Headquarters on Monday denied that the military was threatening the CJ to constitute a panel to probe Governor Nyako.

In a posting on Twitter read yesterday, the Defence Headquarters described the claim as false and strange, saying that it would not be entangled with the narratives of troubled persons alleging persecution to stir resentment.

The Defence Headquarters said it had serious work to do but did not say whether it was in Adamawa or in the whole country.

“Allegation of threat by Military to Adamawa State Chief Judge on constitution of a probe panel to investigate Gov. Nyako is strange and false.

“The Military will not be entangled with narratives of troubled persons alleging persecution to stir resentment. We have serious work to do,” the DHQ said.

There were indications yesterday that the panel might conclude its work within the week to pave the way for the early exit of Nyako from office and clear the way for his Deputy, who is likely to be cleared, to take over the mantle of leadership in the state.

However, other sources which doubted the chances of the Deputy Governor becoming the governor said that the Speaker who hails from the same area with him, did not see to eye with him, hence would not give power to his supposed political enemy.