By; BUHARI B. BELLO, Jos
The leader of the legislative arm of the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Mr. Mang Istefanus has vowed that there is no going back on the suspension of the council chairman, Minister Daput Daniel and the impeachment notice of the deputy chairman of the local government area.
The leader who was fielding question in Jos over the dispute at the local government council, reiterated that, “what actually happened was purely a legislative matter and the legislative arm has followed due process in serving the impeachment of the council’s deputy chairman and a notice of suspension on the chairman
The leader representing Mangu Halle is also acting as the chairman following the expiration of the seven days suspension given to the chairman.
According to him, the legislative arm passed a resolution demanding to know the financial position of the council including the internally generated revenue from the local government chairman, but he declined.
He said, “the clerk of the House will communicate the council’s Divisional Police Officer in charge of the local government area, to make sure that none of them goes to the office as doing so, will amount to illegality”.
He accused the executive arm of the local government area of failing to account for the internally generated revenue and other financial matters in the council.
Mang maintained that what the legislators did was purely done to restore sanity in the affairs of the local government area, especially financial prudence and accountability.
According to him, the legislative arm of the local government area were denied subvention and overhead cost for seven months, thereby, rendering it ineffective to carry out functions.
He said all the stakeholders in the area and the party in the state intervened on the issue, but the local government chairman and his deputy as well as the councillors were summoned to find a lasting solution to the issue, but, “there is no going back over the resolution passed at the House.”
Also speaking, Honourable Damulak Mansart Sylvester, representing Ampan West, said that their decision is final, regarding the action which was described as the beauty of democracy.
The legislator who is also the majority leader of the House, explained that the action was not meant to witch-hunt anybody, but rather, to institute prudence in the system.
Also speaking, Honourable Abbas Haruna, the Deputy Leader representing Chanso Ward, said the decision taken was in accordance with the laws stipulating their constitutional powers.
He said any attempts by the suspended chairman or his impeached deputy to perform official functions will amount to disregard to the constitution.
The Chairman Committee on Information, Dauda Abbas Hamisu representing Gindiri 2, said that the stand of the legislators on the impeachment and the suspension to the council chairman remains final.
