The panel investigating the allegations of gross misconduct leveled against Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, by the state assembly, has just dismissed all 16 charges raised in the notice of impeachment signed by 20 of the 24 lawmakers.

The panel dismissed the case on the grounds that although the lawmakers made appearance through their legal representatives, they failed to provide lead evidence in proof of the allegations against the governor.

The seven-man panel reconvened from a long break it took to consider the submissions before it by both partiers: the 20 members of the House, who were represented by a legal team; and Governor Al-Makura, who was represented by a team of nine legal giants.

Counsel to the House announced appearance, but insisted that they did so in protest, asking the panel to disqualify itself from sitting because members on it are not suitable to sit over the case. Ocha Ulegede had said members’ boycott was not because the House did not want to violate the provisions of the constitution, but because as lawmakers, they will not participate in the breach of the constitution.

But the governor’s lead counsel, Chief Udechukwu Nnoruka Udechukwu, asked the panel to dismiss the case. He cited Section 280 of the Criminal Procedures Act which states that when a case is called for hearing and the prosecution fails to make appearance, the court is at liberty to dismiss it. He said Paragraph Seven (c) of the panel’s guidelines was clear on the matter.

Paragraph 7 (c) of the panel’s guidelines states: “Where the House of Assembly fails or neglects to appear and lead evidence in proof of the allegations, the panel, upon proof of service may dismiss the allegations.”

When the panel reconvened, its chairman, Yusuf Shehu Usman, read its decision, saying it was made after consideration of submissions made by both parties through their legal representatives.

He said the panel, however, dismissed the case because the House failed to prove all of the 16 allegations against the governor, with evidence.

•Adapted from a Daily Trust Online report. Photo shows Governor Al-Makura.