STATE ASSEMBLIES, LEGISLATIVE CRISES AND LEADERSHIP REMOVAL IN NIGERIA

Abstract

 Since Nigeria returned to democratic system in 1999, under the presidential and federal constitution, an average of about two state assembly speakers have been removed per year. This study examines the reasons for the removals using secondary data generated from documentary evidence and online archives. The data analysed using the qualitative method, namely, explanatory and descriptive methods. The study covers forty-nine cases in 32 states of the federation and established forty-four cases of removals. The study argues that allegation of corruption and authoritarian leadership rank first and second most important triggers of the removals. Other triggers include administrative incompetence, executive instigated removal and the subordination of the legislature to the executive.