An Abuja Federal High Court has stopped the impeachment move against the Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mahadi Aliyu Mohammed Gusau.
Justice Obiora Egwatu in his judgment on Monday gave an order stopping the Zamfara State House of Assembly from impeaching the Deputy Governor.
Last week, reports had emerged that the Zamfara state lawmakers were planning to initiate impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor if he failed to justify holding a political rally at a time the state was battling security challenges.
Gusau had organised a rally few days after Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
During the rally, the deputy governor assured supporters of his commitment to the PDP despite the defection of his principal.
However, the lawmakers were said to be angry over the rally, and have summoned the deputy governor to appear before the assembly.
Meanwhile, Justice Egwatu has now issued an order restraining the lawmakers from proceeding with the impeachment move.
This followed an ex-parte application filed by the PDP.
PDP lead counsel, Chief James Onoja Ogwu (SAN), argued that the impeachment move by the lawmakers has raising serious concerns, praying to the court to intervene swiftly.
After listening to the arguments, the judge held that the apprehension of the applicant in respect of the planned impeachment was serious and justified to restrain the defendants from carrying out the alleged action.
The judge also restrained the Chief Judge of Zamfara State from constituting any panel for the purpose of investigating Gusau pending the determination of a motion on notice filed by the PDP.
Other defendants in the matter are Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC, the Senate President, the Speaker of House of Representatives, Speaker of Zamfara House of Assembly and Governor Bello Matawalle.
