INVESTIGATION OF THE GROUNDS FOR IMPEACHMENT AGAINST THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF TARABA STATE-NIGERIA (2012): SOCIO-LEGAL ANALYSIS OF THE ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 requires investigation of the grounds for impeachment by investigation panel. Accordingly, such panel was constituted and it investigated the grounds for impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Taraba State in 2012. The investigation appeared to have been bedeviled by so many issues and challenges. Thus, this article is aimed at identifying some of the issues and challenges which bedeviled investigations for the impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Taraba State with a view to proffering solutions for such proceedings in the future. The methodology adopted is a both doctrinal and empirical. This involved analysis of the facts about the investigation of Deputy Governor of Taraba State as revealed in relevant documents, judicial authorities and data generated from the interview conducted on 16 Respondents and other sources like the YouTube. One of the major findings is that the Constitution and Rules which guided the investigation and proof of the grounds for impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Taraba State do not make provisions on the standard of proof. In the light of the foregoing finding, it is recommended that the Constitution or the Rules guiding investigations for impeachment should set a standard for the proof of allegations of gross misconduct during the investigation proceedings. The standard of proof should be on balance of probability as is the requirement of proof in other civil cases.