Alleged Corruption: Calm Returns To AMAC 

• I’m ready for probe – Chairman Adamu
• Councillors insist on his suspension

BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI, ABUJA – Calm has now returned to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Secretariat located in Area 10, Garki, Abuja City Centre, following the chaos that trailed Thursday’s two-week suspension slammed on the Council Chairman, Mr Abdullahi Adamu, by agitated Councillors.

Early Friday morning, workers were seen in their various offices with some milling around in groups discussing recent development that has pitched the Executive against the legislative arm of the Council.

However, the marriage registry, situated within the Secretariat, was a shadow of its usual busy self as prospective couples moved around briskly, making enquiries about the state of affairs concerning their appointment dates.

Confusion had enveloped the Council Secretariat shortly after the 12 member-legislature announced its suspension of the embattled Chairman, with the workers and visitors scampering for safety as sounds of gunshots filling the air.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that amidst the ensuing commotion, some motorists were forced to abandon their vehicles, even as many passers-by also scampered for safety to escape from the hostile environment.

It was learnt that the legislators took the decision after deliberating on a petition submitted to them by a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) on January 21, 2020

According to the reports, the action was taken after the chairman and the petitioners appeared before the lawmakers for questioning and clarification of facts on ground.

The petitioners, the Civil Society for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CSHRR), is alleging that Chairman Adamu has mastered the disturbing art of awarding contracts to members of his family and cronies. 

They also accused him of being involved in some “shady financial deals and abuse of office”.

It was gathered that with tension rising, further legislative proceedings could not continue as the Mace was forcefully seized from the chambers by some unknown persons that invaded the House.

However, in his reaction to current developments within the Council, the suspended Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu maintained his innocence and declared readiness to face investigation over allegations of misappropriation of funds and abuse of office leveled against him.

Speaking during a Town Hall meeting with stakeholders to discuss issues relating to Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and other matters affecting AMAC residents, Adamu said; “It is important for the residents and people of the council to be kept abreast of the happenings in the council.

“It is also important for the people to be carried along; while leaders must be accountable and transparent in their activities.”

On the petition against him, the embattled Council boss described it as being “politically motivated”, adding; “I am not deterred by my accusers. I want to tell you categorically that this issue is politically motivated and I am ready to stand before any institution for questioning.”

“The issues raised by the petitioner does not have facts; they are simply fabricated and they contain a lot of inaccuracies,” he said.

The Chairman, however, called on all AMAC residents to always approach his office with any question concerning the current administration, “because I operate an open door policy”.

Adamu also appeal to media organisations to put the interest of the people above every consideration, and be committed to telling them the truth “at all times”. – With NAN reports