- Nigeria's Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling that cleared the Governor of Oyo state, Alhaji Rashidi Ladoja, from being impeached from office. Governor Ladoja, who was accused of financial embezzlement and abuse of office, had earlier been impeached by a fraction of the Oyo state House Assembly.
But that impeachment has been nullified by the federal Supreme Court ruling, which thus infringes on the state parliaments' powers.
In recent times, allegations of corruption have been levelled against many governors in Nigeria, resulting in the impeachment of some governors and their deputies. These impeachments have sparked flames of trouble in several states, where supporters of different political parties have clashed.
President Olusegun Obasanjo - who is said to be tire of the wave of impeachments against state officials that have divided his party - described the ruling as "an affirmation of the efficacy of the country's judiciary in the resolution of disputes that are bound to arise as we strive to build and strengthen our democratic institutions."
He urged citizens of Oyo state to be law-abiding and accept the court's ruling in good faith. He assured them of the federal government's maintenance of peace, security, law and order in the state.
The Nigerian President also ordered security chiefs to help in upholding the nullification of Mr Ladoja's impeachment as it is feared some groups may try to hinder his reinstatement as Oyo state governor.
Political analysts believe that an impeachment escapade has overtaken governmental processes in Nigeria and may be short-lived because it signals disaster for the future of democracy and stability in Africa's most populous country.
But even President Obasanjo is not totally innocent of this new "impeachment culture" making its round in Nigeria, as he himself has applauded - or secretly initiated, as opponents hold - the impeachment of governors not belonging to his ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP).
The President has also applauded - or stood behind - the sacking of his Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the PDP leadership after corruption allegations. Mr Obasanjo came at loggerheads with his deputy as Mr Abubakar supported a campaign objecting a constitutional amendment that would allow the President run for a third term. Mr Abubakar now is the most profiled candidate for the 2007 presidential polls in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the impeachment of state governors is set to continue as the respected Nigerian anti-graft agency is roling up corruption scandals involving a large number of office holders.
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