The move to impeach Governor Murtala Nyako and his deputy, James Bala Ngilari seems to have suffered a setback as 11 members, who initially appended their signature on the notice of impeachment, have reportedly backed out following the intervention of prominent Nigerians including former vice president Atiku Abubakar and former EFCC chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Citing sources privy to the development within the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, LEADERSHIP Sunday reports that the high-stake intervention of major stakeholders of the party has started yielding fruits as 11 members of the House of Assembly have been convinced to drop the impeachment bid.

The impeachment notice, which was signed by 19 out of the 25 members of the all-PDP House of Assembly, Wednesday, means that six of the House of assembly members have not appended their signatures to the notice.

The lawmakers, who refused to sign the notice include former speaker of the House and arch supporter of Governor Nyako Hon. Sadiq Dasin from Fufore LGA, Hon. Wale Fwa from Demsa LGA, Hon. Musa Mahmud from Mayo Belwa LGA, the home town of Governor Nyako; Hon. Abuzzari Suleiman Ribadu from Yola North LGA, Hon. Juggal Abdulsalam from Shelleng, and the speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Ahmadu Umaru, from Madagali LGA.

A source said the move to enlist the support of the 11 lawmakers was a shrewd political calculation, for if it sails through, it will cause a setback to the impeachment plan since two-thirds (not less than 16) members are needed to effect the impeachment of the governor.

When contacted for her comment on the issue, one of the members, who refused to endorse the move and member representing Demsa, Hon. Wale Fwa, said she lost a loved one and was not in the mood to comment on the issue.

Also, when contacted on the matter, the chairman, House Committee on Information and member representing Michika LGA, who was one of the members, who initially endorsed the impeachment move, said, “I am sorry; I cannot discuss anything about impeachment because I am not part of it”.

But the director of press to the speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr Solomon Kumangar, expressed doubts on back-pedal by 11 lawmakers, saying that it can only emanate from mischief makers.

“I am not aware that any member has backed out from the move but you should ask those making the insinuation to mention the names of those who backed out. It is apparent that people are ignorant about House resolutions because whenever resolutions are passed no one can infringe on them as they are irreversible”. Kumangar noted.