Written by News Reports
Thursday, 19 October 2006

Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared a state of emergency in Ekiti State, following the impeachment of the local governor for corruption.

Mr Obasanjo said he was taking action because the governor's sacking had been unconstitutional, and to prevent Ekiti descending into chaos.

Both the chief justice and the attorney-general have said Ayo Fayose's sacking was illegal.

Political tension is rising in Nigeria, ahead of elections next year.

Mr Fayose has denied reports that he had fled the country, saying he was in hiding because he feared for his life but remained governor.

His deputy Biodun Olujimi, who was also impeached, says she is now acting governor, although the state of assembly has installed former speaker Friday Aderemi.

'Ridiculous'

President Obasanjo told national television that the governor's impeachment was "a clear case of usurpation of power."

"We have come to a sad, ridiculous and unacceptable situation in Ekiti where we have three governors."


"It is dangerous for our democracy to allow this flagrant violation."

On Monday, Ekiti State of House Assembly voted to remove him from power but several high-ranking officials have condemned the impeachment.

The Nigerian Bar Association called for a boycott of Ekiti State courts until the matter was resolved.

Nigeria's remaining 35 governors met President Obasanjo and informed him that they would not accept Mr Aderemi at their Governors' Forum.

If the Ekiti State matter is not resolved, it could turn into a major crisis for the whole country, says the BBC's Mannir Dan Ali in Abuja.

Governors under fire

Some senior Nigerian lawyers, however, say the impeachment reflected the "beauty of democracy".

Mr Fayose is the third governor to be impeached since Nigeria returned to multiparty democracy in 1999.

Two other governors are currently facing impeachment proceedings from their local legislatures over allegations of corruption.

Nigeria's anti-corruption agency says it is investigating two-thirds of the country's governors.

While Mr Fayose was being sacked, MPs in Anambra State began impeachment proceedings against Governor Peter Obi.

Early last week, Plateau State Governor Joshua Dariye was served with an impeachment notice in controversial circumstances that sparked riots in the central state.

Critics of President Obasanjo say his anti-corruption drive is a cover for a political witch-hunt.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/h...ca/6065188.stm

Published: 2006/10/19 07:33:49 GMT