AMAC reverses impeachment of Speaker Yare amid unity calls

AMAC Legislative Council rescinds Speaker Yare’s impeachment, granting him a month to rectify lapses, following calls for peace and political unity.

Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has reversed the impeachment of its Speaker, Hon. Mathew Danjuma Yare, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, just one day after he was removed from office.

The decision marks a dramatic turnaround in the council’s political landscape, reflecting the influence of key stakeholders and the urgent calls for peace and cohesion within the local government.

The impeachment motion, passed on Monday by eight All Progressives Congress (APC) council members led by Deputy Speaker Tony Onoja, sparked immediate controversy.

Yare’s removal was largely attributed to his alleged failure to comply with the council’s mandate of holding bi-monthly plenary sessions—a procedural requirement considered vital to the smooth functioning of legislative governance.

Critics described the impeachment as hasty and politically motivated, while supporters of the council’s leadership called for dialogue and reconciliation.

On Tuesday, in a press conference, the newly-elected Speaker, Hon. Jankaro Ibrahim, announced the council’s decision to withdraw the impeachment.

“We have decided to withdraw the impeachment of Dr. Hon. Mathew Danjuma Yare, on the grounds that he refused to adopt the orders of the chamber,” Ibrahim stated.

He further disclosed that the council is granting Yare an additional month to address the identified lapses and align his actions with the council’s procedural directives.

Ibrahim explained that the reversal prioritizes institutional stability and the need for political harmony within AMAC. “We have carefully considered the advice of our stakeholders.

We appeal to our supporters and the general public to support us in lifting this impeachment. Our focus is on ensuring a peaceful and productive council,” he said.

However, the Speaker issued a clear warning to Yare, emphasizing that this reprieve is conditional.

“If after one month he has not amended his ways and complied with council directives, we will proceed with the impeachment process properly and in his presence.

“This is not merely a second chance; it is an opportunity to restore confidence and maintain order,” Ibrahim added.

Councillor Matthias Aliyu, representing Wuse Ward, reinforced the reasoning behind the decision.

“We want Abuja Municipal Area Council to remain a unified, peaceful, and effective legislative body.

This is why we are heeding the advice of our stakeholders.

This is the final opportunity for Hon. Yare to align with council expectations and lead in one voice,” Aliyu said, noting that the success of Chairman Christopher Zakka Maikalangu’s administration depends on harmony within the council.

Political observers have described the reversal as a strategic move aimed at preventing further division, preserving institutional integrity, and ensuring uninterrupted governance.

The episode has highlighted the delicate balance between party loyalty, procedural compliance, and the broader need for political consensus in local government operations.

Analysts further noted that the incident underscores the challenges faced by local councils in balancing partisan politics with functional governance.

While impeachment remains a constitutional tool for accountability, its use in AMAC has now been tempered by stakeholder intervention and the council’s commitment to reconciliation.

As the one-month period begins, all eyes will be on Speaker Yare to determine whether he can meet council expectations and restore full confidence among his colleagues.

The outcome is likely to set a precedent for handling political disagreements and procedural disputes in AMAC, as well as other local councils across the country.

The council’s decision to reverse the impeachment ultimately signals a willingness to prioritize dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and institutional stability over partisan disputes, highlighting the importance of unity, accountability, and effective governance in Nigeria’s local government system.