NIGERIAN GOVERNOR FACES IMPEACHMENT!

Nigerian state impeaches governor.

Mr Ladoja says legislators were coerced into impeaching him. The Nigerian governor of Oyo State has been impeached by state legislators on allegations of corruption. Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja has lost his battle to remain in office after he fell out with his political backer. Last month his split with his former backer erupted into street violence in the state capital, Ibadan, as gunmen clashed around parliament. He is the second governor to be impeached recently. Unless impeached, governors enjoy judicial immunity.
In December, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the former governor of oil-rich Bayelsa State, was impeached and charged with corruption after jumping bail in the UK. This is also the second time a governor has publicly fallen out with his backer, known in Nigeria as a political godfather.
Three years ago, the Anambra State governor was kidnapped and forced to write a resignation letter at gunpoint after failing to do the bidding of his backer. Chris Ngige remains in office, but has been expelled from the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP). After the impeachment order was signed, Deputy Governor Christopher Alao-Akala was sworn in as governor in the south-western state.

Rise of political godfathers

Eighteen of the 32 legislators voted to proceed with impeachment after considering a report by a panel set up to investigate the governor. Earlier, Mr Ladoja had accused them of taking bribes, saying they had been induced or coerced.The legislators were reported to have said they had uncovered attempts by Mr Ladoja to sack the chief judge on the investigating panel.
There is a high security presence throughout the majority Muslim state, prompting fears there may be further violence. Earlier this week, the state's chief imam called on the former governor and his ex-political godfather Lamidi Adedibu not to attend Eid prayers to avoid clashes between rival supporters. The BBC's Yusuf Sarki Muhammad in Abuja says Mr Adedibu has been a strong figure in politics in Oyo State for many decades.

BBC NEWS REPORT