Lafia — The Nasarawa State House of As-sembly has given Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura to explain why he embarked on a ten-day trip to the United States without seeking permission.

While making the resolution, the members cited constitutional provisions which empower them to approve such trips before the governor embarks on them.

It was gathered that Al-Makura travelled abroad with the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hamza Elayo, Commissioner for Education, Abubakar Hussaini, and some aides to seek investment in agriculture, education, solid minerals exploitation and healthcare.

Chairman, House Committee on Information, Mohammed Baba Ibaku, questioned the trip, saying the governor travelled for personal reasons, adding that even if the trip was for the benefit of the state, the governor ought to have sought approval from the House.

Mohammed Muluku (Nasarawa-Eggon-East), who moved the motion, cited constitutional provisions empowering the House on such matters, and urged that the governor be summoned to explain what happened. After a few debates, the House, presided over by the Speaker, Musa Ahmed Mohammed, adopted the motion. The Speaker then directed the clerk of the House to communicate the decision to the governor.

But Abdullahi Idde, and Adamu Sule, the governor's special advisers on political affairs, and legislative matters respectively, told Daily Trust that the constitution does not have such provisions.

"So, if the governor wants to travel to Lagos today, he will have to seek approval from the House? There are no such provisions in the constitution. What the constitution says is for the governor to inform the House when he is not capable of functioning, or when he is going on leave", Idde said.