PDP Responds To Impeachment Of Zamfara’s Deputy Governor, Says Will Take Legal Action

THE PEOPLE’S Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the impeachment of Zamfara Deputy Governor Mahdi Aliyu Gusau, calling it unconstitutional and illegitimate.

Gusau was impeached by the Zamfara State House of Assembly on February 23 after 20 out of 24 members voted in favor of his removal.

Following the impeachment, the report of the judicial panel of investigation established by the state’s Chief Judge, Kulu Aliyu, declared Gusau guilty of the allegations leveled against him.

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However, he has been replaced by Muhammad Nasiha, a serving senator from Zamfara’s Central Senatorial District.

In a statement published by PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba in response to the news, the party termed the impeachment process as one that will be opposed in court.

“It is instructive to state that, pursuant to the order of the Federal High Court in Abuja in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/ 650/2021 and section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Zamfara State House of Assembly as currently constituted has no constitutional standing to undertake any legislative action, let alone claim to have impeached the State’s Deputy Governor on any ground whatsoever.”

“The case’s implication is that, under Section 109(1)(g), members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly lost their seats constitutionally when they foolishly cross-carpeted to the All Progressives Congress (APC) when the PDP was not divided.”

The impeachment, according to Ologunagba, was not only futile but also an affront to the rule of law by the APC and Governor Matawalle.

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“In any event, the PDP and the people of Zamfara State will not stand by while impunity is imposed on the state, and necessary legal action is being taken.”

“The PDP urges His Excellency Mahdi Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, the Deputy Governor, not to be distracted by the illegality, but to remain focused at this vital moment.”

He did, however, urge PDP supporters in the state to be calm.