By SHUAIB SADIQ

The Chief Judge of Zamfara, Justice Kulu Aliyu, on Monday inaugurated a seven-man panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office against the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mahdi Aliyu.

The panel was constituted following a request by the state House of Assembly in a letter signed by the Speaker, Nasiru-Muazu Magarya, on Feb. 10.

The Assembly had at its sitting on Feb. 7, served the deputy governor with a notice of impeachment for alleged gross misconduct and abuse of office.

The seven-man panel of investigation has retired Justice Halidu Tanko-Soba as Chairman.

Other members include Oladipo Okpeseyi SAN, Abdul-Atadoga Ibrahim SAN, Hussaini Zakariyau, SAN, Amina Tanimu-Marafa, Alhaji Sani Mande and Ahmad Buhari-Rabah.

Justice Aliyu said while inaugurating the panel in Gusau that it was in line with Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

She said that the constitution provides that: “Within seven days of the passing of a motion under the foregoing provisions of this section.

“The Chief Judge of the state shall at the request of the Speaker of the House of Assembly appoint a panel of seven persons.

“Who in his opinion are of unquestionable integrity, not being members of any public service, legislative houses or political party to investigate the allegation as provided in this section.”

She urged the members of the panel to discharge the assigned duty in line with Constitutional provisions.

Justice Aliyu enjoined the panel to work as a team and in line with the powers as specified in section 188(7) of the Constitution.

Justice Aliyu appealed to the panel to concentrate on the issues contained in the Notice of Allegations as attached to the appointments.

She also urged the panel to give the deputy governor ample opportunity to defend himself either in person or by legal representation of his choice.

The chief judge did not specify the time frame within which the Panel would submit its report.

In his response on behalf of the panel, Tanko-Soba promised to work within the content of the allegations and in line with the Constitution. (NAN)

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