In what may amount to postponing the evil day, the Adamawa State Government in North-East Nigeria yesterday announced a surprise public holiday for today and tomorrow, July 7 and 8.

Political analysts say this is supposed to be a masterstroke to save the necks of Governor Murtala Nyako and his deputy, Bala Ngillari, both of whom are facing impeachment by the State House of Assembly. The seven-man panel set up by the Acting Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ambrose Mamadi, to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against the two men was scheduled to be inaugurated today and the calculation is to frustrate the moves since Justice Mamadi’s tenure will expire tomorrow.

A Government House statement issued yesterday in Yola said: “Governor Murtala Nyako has approved Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th of July, 2014 as work-free days in Adamawa State. This is to enable the people reflect on the current happenings in the country and use the period to offer special prayers for peace in the state. The period is also to enable Adamawa workers reflect on current challenges.”

Nyako, who earlier fled the state for Abuja, is hoping to buy time by stalling the inauguration of the committee until Justice Mamadi leaves office. The panel which Justice Mamadi is supposed to inaugurate today has seven days to complete its assignment, meaning that Nyako and Ngilari could be jobless as early as next week if the panel is allowed to be inaugurated today.

•Photo shows embattled Governor Nyako.