Nigerian governor impeached after bloody feud

[struggle4progress]

12 Jan 2006 18:44:24 GMT

Source: Reuters

By Obafemi Afolabi

IBADAN, Nigeria, Jan 12 (Reuters) - A Nigerian state governor was impeached on Thursday after a violent power struggle with his estranged patron -- one of several political rivalries that are heating up ahead of 2007 elections.

The house of assembly of southwestern Oyo state voted to impeach Governor Rasheed Ladoja, thus removing his immunity from prosecution, over what some lawmakers alleged was gross misconduct including embezzlement of public funds.

"Governor Ladoja has today been impeached, having been found guilty of allegations levelled against him," said Olu Oyeleye, leader of a group of 18 state lawmakers who voted in favour of impeachment. There are 32 in total ...

Ladoja denies any wrongdoing and says the 18 were bribed or otherwise influenced by Lamidi Adedibu, his former sponsor or "godfather" in Nigerian political jargon ...

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L12492818.htm