ADAMAWA STATE SPEAKER SWORN IN AS ACTING GOVERNOR

The Speaker of Adamawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru, was on Tuesday sworn in as Acting Governor of the state following the impeachment of Gov. Murtala Nyako. Umaru was sworn-in by the state’s Acting Chief Judge, Justice Ambrose Mammadi. After taking the oath of office, the acting governor said the impeachment of Nyako was a blessing to the people of the state. Umaru called on the people to join hands with his administration, saying that the task before it was enormous. He reminded them that Adamawa was still under state of emergency and urged them to be law abiding. The acting governor promised to pay the two months outstanding workers’ salaries and other allowances. “This administration will do all that is possible to restore the lost glory of the state as well as improve the economic well-being of the people’’, he said.
Chieftains of the PDP and members of the National Assembly were among dignitaries that witnessed the ceremony. Also the Adamawa Deputy Governor, Mr Bala James-Ngilari, on Tuesday tendered his letter of resignation, citing personal reasons. The Deputy Governor’s letter of resignation was read at Tuesday’s plenary of the Adamawa House of Assembly by Speaker Ahmadu Fintiri. The development followed moves by the state assembly to remove him and Gov. Murtala Nyako on grounds of financial impropriety. James-Ngilari said:“I kindly notify you of my resignation from the office of the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State forthwith on personal ground. “I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve Adamawa State.” The house unanimously adopted the letter following a motion moved by Mr Adamu Kamale (PDP-Michika), which was seconded by Alhaji Hassan Kaigama(PDP-Maiha). During deliberation on the letter, members argued that since the deputy governor wished to retire voluntarily, he should be allowed to do so. “We should wish him success in his future endeavour,’’ said Mr Jerry Kundisi (PDP-Gombi) The speaker confirmed the resignation, saying, “the office of the Deputy Governor is hereby declared vacant.’’ (NAN)