News Analysis – Is Impeached Governor Murtala Nyako on the Run?

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines Saturday, July 19th, 2014

By Tajudeen Balogun

The alleged Federal government’s resolve to press charges of corruption and sedition against former Adamawa state Governor, Alhaji Muritala Nyako on weekend draws contrary speculations within and outside the state.

Impeached Governor Murtala Nyako

African Examiner investigations in Yola, the state capital and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, indicated that the security operatives have since been trailing the former Navy Chief, with a view to apprehending and prosecuting him for inciting the public against President Goodluck Jonathan on the raging security lapses in certain parts of the country and financial gross misconduct while in office.

Our Correspondents gathered that it could not be established whether the ex-Governor is presently in the state, FCT or outside the country, in particular, Saudi Arabia Kingdom for a lesser Hajj – Umrah as the current Ramadan winds up.

The uncertain situation our sources revealed had fuelled assumptions that Nyako is on the run to avert being arrested and charged for alleged criminal and corruption offences.

African Examiner had reported earlier in the week that Federal Government was keen in ensuring Nyako faces the wrath of the law for the alleged avalanche of offence.

The interest to this effect was so vested to the extent that the Federal Ministry of Justice has compiled ahead of his impeachment on Tuesday, charges of treason and financial misappropriation that would be made available to the country’s anti-graft body – Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in one court and seditious alleged crime in another.

Notably among the alleged corruption charges was the taking loan of N43 billion from a third generation bank with the connivance of the Bank Manager, without the approval of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC).

In the main time, Nyako aides have continued to dispel the rumour that their boss did not flee and that he was still very much available in the country. One of them, Sajoh Ahmed affirmed Friday that the former Governor has never made any attempt to avoid prosecution.

The former governor has two days after his impeachment declared that he was ready to face trial and “protect his integrity”

Are the security mischievous on the allegations of Nyako being on the run? Does Nyako have the liver or will to be so courageous and make good his avowed stance – to make himself available if need be? Is Federal government really serious and fair on the alleged allegations? Will this media exchanges’ on corruption and prosecution from all the parties have reasonable and definite end?

Nyako’s sack is still less than a week. Surely, there is more time to watch how issues unfold. Interestingly, the poor former Chief of defence staff has indicated interest to approach court to challenge his sack, which he maintained was influenced and preceded by “illegal” procedures and body.