Procedure for impeaching state governor in Nigeria

Austin Okoro DDM NEWS

Fubara

The process of impeaching a state governor in Nigeria involves several constitutional steps, ensuring due process and fairness.

Below is an alternative breakdown of the procedure:

Step 1: Submission of Allegations
A formal complaint of gross misconduct must be documented and endorsed by no less than one-third of the members of the State House of Assembly.

This petition is then submitted to the Speaker of the Assembly.

Step 2: Notification to the Governor
Within seven days of receiving the petition, the Speaker is required to serve the governor with a written copy of the allegations, ensuring the accused is officially informed.

Step 3: Governor’s Response
The governor has the right to respond to the allegations in writing.

His response must be distributed to all members of the House of Assembly for their review.

Step 4: Legislative Review
Within 14 days of presenting the petition, the House of Assembly must deliberate on whether the allegations warrant further investigation.

A motion to proceed must be approved by at least two-thirds of the legislators. If this threshold is not met, the impeachment process is terminated.

Step 5: Formation of an Investigative Panel
If the House votes in favor of an investigation, the Speaker must, within seven days, request the Chief Judge of the state to appoint a panel to examine the claims.

The panel must be composed of individuals without political affiliations.

Step 6: Investigation and Hearings
The panel has up to three months to conduct a thorough inquiry into the allegations.

During this process, the governor has the right to defend himself, either personally or through legal representation.

Step 7: Submission of Findings
After concluding its investigation, the panel presents its report to the State House of Assembly.

If the allegations are unsubstantiated, the process ends immediately, and the governor remains in office.

Step 8: Final Decision by the Assembly
If the panel confirms the allegations, the House of Assembly must vote on whether to adopt the findings.

A minimum of two-thirds of members must approve the resolution for the governor to be removed from office.

Step 9: Swearing-in of the Deputy Governor
Upon a successful impeachment vote, the governor is officially removed, and the deputy governor is sworn in as the new head of the state government.

This process is designed to ensure accountability while safeguarding against politically motivated removals.

Recently the Rivers State House of Assembly has issued an impeachment threat to Governor of Rivers, Sir Siminalay Fubara alleging gross misconduct and financial recklessness.

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