Mahmud Jega, a political analyst, has highlighted the crucial role of the Chief Justice of a state in the impeachment process of governors and their deputies. According to Jega, a successful impeachment requires a certain level of partisanship from the Chief Justice. This statement was made in reference to the current move by the Rivers State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy.
Jega recalled that during the Second Republic, the courts established that they cannot interfere with the impeachment process, as it is a constitutional power granted to the state assemblies. However, in the case of Rivers State, the courts have intervened, stopping the process. Jega attributed this to the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Samuel Amadi, who has refused to cooperate with the pro-Wike members of the assembly.
The analyst explained that the Chief Judge is responsible for appointing a panel to investigate the allegations against the governor and his deputy. If the panel returns a not guilty verdict, the impeachment process is terminated. Jega suspected that the pro-Wike members of the assembly were aware of the Chief Judge’s potential obstacle and had attempted to remove him from office a few months ago, citing allegations of age falsification.
The Rivers State House of Assembly’s move to impeach the governor and his deputy has been halted by a court order, which the assembly members have appealed. Jega noted that even if the appeal is successful, the Chief Judge will still be responsible for setting up the panel to investigate the allegations. The outcome of this process remains uncertain, and the situation is being closely monitored.
The impeachment process in Rivers State has significant implications for the state’s politics and governance. The role of the Chief Justice in this process highlights the importance of judicial independence and impartiality in ensuring the rule of law. As the situation unfolds, it is essential to observe how the state’s institutions navigate this complex and sensitive issue.
