In the tumultuous realm of Nigerian politics, the position of Deputy Governor carries an air of uncertainty, with no fewer than 17 individuals finding themselves ousted from office in the past 24 years. The recent dismissal of Phillip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, marks the 17th instance of such upheaval since the nation’s return to democracy in 1999.
For Shaibu, his removal represents the culmination of a protracted struggle within Edo’s political arena. Yet, his narrative is but one strand in the intricate tapestry of deputy governors who have faced similar fates over the years. Impeachment, often predicated on allegations of gross misconduct, has emerged as the prevailing mechanism for their removal from office.
Enshrined within Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the impeachment process delineates a structured approach to addressing allegations of wrongdoing. A written accusation of gross misconduct serves as the impetus for this procedure, affording the accused individual an opportunity to mount a defense. Should this defense prove inadequate, removal from office becomes the inevitable consequence.
The litany of deputy governors who have weathered impeachment proceedings reads like a roster of political turbulence:
1. Femi Pedro (Lagos)
2. Iyiola Omisore (Osun)
3. Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele (Lagos)
4. Chris Ekpenyong (Akwa Ibom)
5. Abiodun Aluko (Ekiti)
6. Biodun Olujinmi (Ekiti)
7. Late Garba Gadi (Bauchi)
8. Peremobowei Elebi (Bayelsa)
9. Sani Abubakar Danladi (Taraba)
10. Jude Agbaso (Imo)
11. Sunday Onyebuchi (Enugu)
12. Ali Olanusi (Ondo)
13. Eze Madumere (Imo)
14. Simon Achuba (Kogi)
15. Rauf Olaniyan (Oyo)
16. Mahdi Aliyu Gusau (Zamfara)
17. Philip Shaibu (Edo)
However, amidst this procession of impeachments, a handful have successfully navigated the legal labyrinth and obtained court orders overturning their removal. The late Garba Gadi (Bauchi), Peremobowei Elebi (Bayelsa), Sani Abubakar Danladi (Taraba), Sunday Onyebuchi (Enugu), Ali Olanusi (Ondo), Jude Agbaso (Imo), Eze Madumere (Imo), Simon Achuba (Kogi), and Mahdi Aliyu Gusau (Zamfara) stand as exceptions to the prevailing narrative.
Yet, despite these legal victories, the path back to office remains closed for these individuals, enveloping their potential reinstatement in a veil of uncertainty. The revolving door of deputy governors continues to turn, underscoring the inherent volatility of Nigeria’s political landscape.
As the nation grapples with the ramifications of these recurring impeachments, questions persist regarding the efficacy and fairness of the impeachment process. Can it genuinely function as a bulwark against misconduct, or does it risk devolving into a tool for political expediency? Until these queries find resolution, the specter of impeachment will loom large over the tenure of Nigeria’s deputy governors, casting a pall of uncertainty over their roles and responsibilities.
Thomas Danjuma Abu, a Public Affairs Analyst, can be contacted via danjumaabu3750@gmail.com or +2348062380296.
