Federal Lawmaker, Assembly Member Behind Plots To Impeach Me- Takum Chairman

·        Says They Are After Me Because I Stopped Illegal Employment Racket

 

The embattled Chairman of Takum Local Government, Mr. John Ali, has stated that his refusal to condone an illegal employment racket is the reason behind his current troubles.

 

It was recently reported that some councillors of Takum Local Government had threatened to impeach the council chairman over accusations of "gross abuse of office."

 

However, credible sources close to Mr. Ali have revealed that these impeachment efforts were orchestrated by entrenched interests who have benefitted from the illegal employment activities.

 

According to the source, "A prominent legislator from the local government, who is aligned with his counterpart in Abuja, is behind the push for impeachment. From the moment Mr. Ali was elected Chairman, this lawmaker attempted to manipulate him. Mr. Ali resisted the attempt to impose a council leader at the legislative council, which did not sit well with this ambitious young politician who wanted to control the Chairman."

 

The source further explained that the current conflict stems from Mr. Ali's inquiry into the employment of over 300 staff members, which has significantly increased the local government's salary profile. Investigations have revealed that some individuals from Jalingo and Abuja are major beneficiaries of the employment racket. In fact, the employment letters are being sold for as much as N150,000 each. The source added that the governor has not approved any of these new staff appointments or replacements. One of the legislators based in Abuja is reportedly a key beneficiary of the racket and is allegedly leading the campaign against the Chairman.

 

At the time of this report, some councillors had distanced themselves from the impeachment plot, citing the peaceful resolution of disputes between the councillors and the Chairman during the Christmas holiday. The peace agreement, brokered by the first-class chief of Takum, has led all parties to agree to work together moving forward.