The seven-man panel set up to investigate Abia State deputy governor,  Mr Chris Akomas, on alleged gross misconduct by the state House of Assembly had its inaugural sitting, on Thursday, amidst secrecy and tight security.

The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the sitting, which was held at the General Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Centre in Umuahia, also had the media barred from covering it on the claims that the state Chief Judge directed so.

However, when the media men moved to see the chief judge in his office, he denied ever given  such orders, adding that his duties were concluded after forming the panel and that it was no longer his business what members of the panel decided to do at their sitting.

It was also gathered that there were many security operatives on the streets that link the venue, who prevented supporters of the governor and the deputy governor, who thronged the venue from entering.

The Nigerian Tribune, however, learnt that the deputy governor, who came into the venue at about 10.17 a.m., was believed to have been granted easy access alongside other representatives of the parties involved in the impeachment matter.