Nigerians React To Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako's Removal

On July 15, 2014, Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State was impeached by the State House of Assembly on allegations of gross financial misconduct. We have asked ordinary Nigerians what they thought of the development.

What happened

Both Nyako and his deputy, Bala Ngilari, were served with the impeachment notice a month ago. Ngilari, who has resigned, is accused of extra-budgetary expenditure. On Tuesday, seventeen of the 25 members of the Assembly adopted the report of the investigation panel.

Following the news, the APC (All Progressives Congress), to which Nyako now belongs after leaving the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) in November 2013, has, traditionally, exchanged blows and stingy comments with its main political opponent.

An indigene of Adamawa State, the retired 71-year-old Vice Admiral of Nigerian Navy was once an ally of Gen. Buhari's and Gen. Babangida's, also a former governor of Niger State when it split from Sokoto State in 1976. He was appointed the head of Adamawa in 2007 and, as a loyal member of the PDP, supported President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2011 PDP primaries before severing ties with the party and leaving for the APC in 2013 after a series of issues he had with the former PDP party boss, Bamanga Tukur.

Legit.ng poll

We have asked Legit.ng readers to describe their feelings after hearing the news, say what they will remember Nyako for, and reason if the removal had political undertones.

Almost 200 Nigerians of all ages, financial statuses and professions commented on the issue. For some, the removal was a political move, others said there was no politics involved. But the absolute majority of responses had one thing in common: people of Nigeria, many residents of Adamawa State among them, say Nyako's removal was long overdue. They described it as "the best thing to happen to people of Adamawa State," "a welcome development and a step in the right direction," even used hashtag #GoodNews when referring to it.

"Best thing to happen to Adamawa"

Some observers strongly suggested that the Nigeria Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) should investigate the impeached governor, and indicated that measures should be taken to prevent him from leaving the country:

Felix Mervyn O: The govt should immediately cease his visa and follow him up with the EFCC and the the ICPC before he gets missing.

Others not-so-subtly said Nyako was not the governor Adamawa State deserved and needed. This is how residents of Adamawa will remember him:

Habila Peter: Nyako was a disaster to Adamawa State. He could only be associated with controversy. Withholding workers leave grants for so many years, no tangible projects in the last 7 years, illegal deductions from workers salary. Yola is so under-developed, dirty as if it’s not a state capital. Massive corruption, only one side of the state (Nyako's kinsmen) benefits from the government, etc. Obansanjo didn't do the good people of Adamawa state well when in 2007 imposed him on Adamawa people, and Goodluck too didn't try when he imposed this same man in 2012 against the popular wish of the people then which was Engr Markus Gundiri.

George Peter: He does not have the qualities of a good leader. His reign was a flop. This is not about the APC or PDP. I remember a time when state workers went on strike, and he reacted by saying that they will return when they are hungry. He is not a leader.

Apostle Yahaya Ibrahim Gombe: His concocted Northern genocide allegations were a terrible snare which he did in bad faith. Coupled with his admistrative high-handedness, gross financial mismanagement and misappropriations, the due process was followed before his avoidable impeachment. I wish him the best in life. Farewell, Nyako.

Emmanuel Oche: The reason for his removal was mainly political. But also, the fact that Nayko was unable to stand for the masses who voted him into power. Owing teachers’ salaries of two years. Refusing to pay civil servants their rightful worth of two months’ salary. Refusing to fund the State University because most of the lectures supported the opposition party (then, the AC). Where is the money allocated to Adamawa State going as the entire state is losing its shine? Bad roads, no social amenities, misappropriation of funds meant for a German hospital. None is present now.

Janet Peter: I would remember him for the denial of salaries and students' scholarships, increased poverty level, unemployment and a lot more. His reign was one of the miserable reigns ever in Adamawa State. He virtually doesn't care for the people he claimed to lead. He was a mistake and a virus which just got an anti-virus. Anybody who supports him is directly or indirectly his ally.

"Had Nyako stayed with the PDP..."

Some Legit.ng readers suspect foul political play, with one observer calling the practice "GEJ trying to pave way for 2015 presidential elections," and quite a few have pointed out that, since Nyako's "office was political, so his removal should be political," too.

Daniel Ugbedeojo Andrew: APC, I saw this coming right from Ekiti. Now Adamawa, next is Nasarawa. Who will save this political doom?

Many Nigerians have strongly indicated that if not for his defection to the APC, Nyako wouldn't have been removed from his political office:

Shoaib Aliyu: His removal was politically motivated, because it has all started after he dumped the PDP for the APC. In 2011 election, Adamawa state gave more than 20% of its votes to GEJ, so therefore Ebele wants to maintain that status. And how can he achieve that while the governor is an opposition now?

Munachimso Modesty Vitus Ezenwa: I strongly believe that the impeachment was political. The likes of Ibori, Peter Odili completed their terms! Were Nyako in the PDP, he wouldn't have been removed. The same house that passed vote of confidence on him few weeks back removed him. How come?

Ceroma Chukwuma Adeyemi: Nyako's impeachment is politics. When he was in the PDP, he was a saint. But now that he’d joined the APC, he's a sinner. The PDP should remember they may lose the presidential seat in 2015 and all what they are doing today will bounce back on their heads.

Prince Esuene: Politically motivated, yes, as all the political office holders are all politically elected. On the impeachment, if Nyako was not guilty of the charges against him, I think he has every opportunities to defend himself rather than playing cowardice. The Adamawa State House of Assembly did well to safe the State resources from the hands of ungodly.

"But Nyako wasn't the only corrupt governor!"

A number of readers said the supported the development and would like to see similar practices unfold in other states and regions of Nigeria:

Atte Ita: If he was removed due to financial misconduct then that is a good judgement. This means all other governors should be removed as well. We all know they are all corrupt, including the police, the army, even the FRSC. Nigeria herself is a very corrupt nation

Okpala Bekind: If the FG continues like this to other states and other ministers who use public fund as theirs, I bet this country will be good again. So, FG, Nyako is not alone. Check other places like Abia State, starting from Orji Uzor Kalu, the ex governor, then the current executive governor. If the FG doesn’t do that, their move was pure politics.

Abisad Multiventures: Impeachment is not new at all in this country. Whether it's political or not, it also depends from the angle you're looking at it! Because Adamawa as a state has the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary arms of government. In a democratic system, there is check and balance. Which the Adamawa State of Assembly have just done as their function. Let the Judiciary interpret the actions of the Legislative arm. To me, there is no point for opposition to start making the impeachment exercise a noise-making issue. If a Governor is found wanted by his own people in his duties he should be removed, definitely, heaven will not fall!

Some have highlighted the possible positive "lesson" Nyako's downfall may have taught other politicians and lawmakers:

Sixtus Obibueze Virux Igono: It's high time politicians understood that when elected to a post, they do not owe allegiance to their political parties but to their country at large. Therefore, they must respect and protect the interest of its citizens, come what may. I pray for a unified Nigeria and hope someday all these political cum religious war will come to an end and there will stand not just a country but a Nigeria with a unified lovely and peaceful people.

Nigerians from other states have voiced their discontent with local authorities, prompting the Federal Government to investigate other governors, too. President Jonathan has not avoided criticism as well:

Lawal King Oyakhamho Ayuba: If Nyako can be impeached due to his low level of performance in his own state, when will the President be impeached also?

Abdulkarim Ismail Bonbye: If you say financial misconduct, come to Kogi State and see financial EMBARRASSMENT!

ChingyDes Innocent: You guys should also come to Abia State and see abnormal financial misconduct by Gov. T.A Orji.

Thompson Okonkwo: He has long deserved impeachment, alongside with Borno and Yobe states governors. 

What are your theories regarding Murtala Nyako's removal? Contact us at info@naij.com, leave a comment below, take to our Facebook or Twitter accounts to voice your opinion!

Source: Legit.ng