Kano Assembly And The Debate Over Ganduje’s Corruption Allegation By Inibehe Effiong
The on going investigation of Ganduje’s bribery videos by the Kano State House of Assembly cannot crystallize into his impeachment. The House is only exercising its oversight powers under Section 128 of the Constitution which empowers it to expose corruption, inefficiency and waste in the State.
There is a misconception of the investigation by a section of the media. Some commentators have wrongly suggested that Governor Ganduje may be removed if he is found culpable. The truth is that as at today, the State Assembly has not activated the impeachment process against him.
Section 188 of the Constitution is clear on the procedure for removing a governor from office. It begins with the presentation of a Notice of Impeachment signed by at least 1/3 of the members of the House.
That has not been done in this case. I don’t know the true intent of the Assembly.
If Ganduju is indicted by the Assembly, it means that we will witness another round of investigation if a Notice of Impeachment is presented. I find the current investigation needless and suspicious. Will the House invite Jaafar Jaafar to testify a second time?
Will Ganduje be summoned twice over the allegations? It is either the Assembly is ignorant or they are not ready to do what is right. To what end is the current investigation when it cannot lead to impeachment? Will the Assembly re-investigate what they’ve already investigated?
If the State Assembly is sincere about this matter it should have activated the impeachment process and allow the State Chief Judge to constitute a Panel to investigate the bribery allegations in line with Section 188 of the Constitution. I don’t know whether they’re properly guided.
Inibehe Effiong is a legal practitioner
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