As members of the Rivers State House of Assembly continue to push forward with their plans to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, the growing political tension serves as a reminder of the controversial history of gubernatorial impeachments in Nigeria.
Below is a list of notable Nigerian governors who have faced impeachment, along with the allegations that led to their removal:
Ayo Fayose (Ekiti State)
Impeachment Date: 16 October 2006
Allegations: Mismanagement of public funds and serial killings.
Former Governor Ayo Fayose was impeached as the Executive Governor of Ekiti State in 2006. His impeachment came after accusations of mismanaging public funds and involvement in a series of killings.
Peter Obi (Anambra State)
Impeachment Date: 2 November 2006
Allegations: Gross misconduct.
Peter Obi, a key political figure and former presidential candidate, was impeached as the Executive Governor of Anambra State in 2006. His impeachment stemmed from allegations of gross misconduct during his tenure. Obi’s impeachment was overturned in court after a legal battle, and he returned to power, solidifying his political career.
Joshua Dariye (Plateau State)
Impeachment Date: 13 November 2006
Allegations: Siphoning of public funds and money laundering.
Joshua Dariye, former Governor of Plateau State, was impeached on charges of siphoning public funds and money laundering. His impeachment followed accusations of mismanagement of the state’s resources. Dariye’s legal troubles didn’t end with his impeachment, as he faced criminal charges related to his alleged financial misconduct in London.
Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Oyo State)
Impeachment Date: 12 January 2006
Allegations: Financial mismanagement and alleged corruption.
Rashidi Ladoja, former Governor of Oyo State, was impeached in January 2006 by 18 members of the state legislature. The charges against Ladoja included financial mismanagement and alleged corruption, particularly in relation to state funds. Despite his impeachment, Ladoja was later reinstated after a legal battle, although his political career was forever altered.
Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (Bayelsa State)
Impeachment Date: 9 December 2005
Allegations: Corruption, theft of public funds, abuse of office, and money laundering.
Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the former Governor of Bayelsa State, faced impeachment on charges of corruption, including the theft of public funds, abuse of office, and money laundering. Alamieyeseigha’s case attracted significant national attention, particularly due to his alleged links to foreign accounts and to wealth amassed during his tenure in office. He was impeached in December 2005, and his legal battles continued thereafter.
Murtala Nyako (Adamawa State)
Impeachment Date: July 2014
Allegations: Corruption, theft of public funds, abuse of office, and money laundering.
Murtala Nyako, the former Governor of Adamawa State, was impeached in July 2014 after being accused of widespread corruption, including the theft of public funds and abuse of office.
Chris Ngige – Anambra State
Impeachment Date: 2006
Impeached in 2006 by the state House of Assembly over allegations of corruption and abuse of office. He was later reinstated by the court in 2007.
Ali Modu Sheriff – Borno State
Impeachment Date: 2011
Although not formally impeached, he was removed from office by the state’s House of Assembly in 2011 for alleged corruption and mismanagement. He was later reinstated by the court.