Federal lawmakers sidelined intense opposition across partisan divide, on Tuesday, to give a second reading to a new law seeking broad powers for lawmakers to fire the president or his vice.

The House of Representatives approved the bill seeking a constitutional amendment to weaken the current procedure of impeaching presidents and their vice; which will bring the process solely within the powers of the National Assembly.

Under the current law, such a drastic move as impeaching the nation’s number one and two citizens can only go through after a committee named by the Chief Justice of the Federation had investigated allegations raised by the National Assembly.

Sponsors of the motion, Yakubu Dogara (Bauchi State), and Emmanuel Jime (Benue State) said that was not feasible since the Chief Justice of the Federation was an appointee of the president.

They also criticised the requirement that impeachment can only be initiated for “gross misconduct”; which they argued was unspecific as to the offences qualifying of the punishment.

Dogara and Jime cited several developed democracies, particularly the United States, where the powers of impeachment are solely with the legislature.

However, the arguments faced intense criticisms with key members of the House, including the majority leader (representing the ruling Peoples Democratic Party) and the minority leader (representing the leading opposition party) distancing them from the bill.

“I recognise the fact that Dogara presented a well-researched bill; but having said so, I am also of the opinion that the timing is very very wrong because Nigerians will read meaning into it that the plan is to impeach President Jonathan,” said Minority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Majority Leader, Leo Ogor, said the bill deserved to be consigned to the “dustbin of history”.

Despite the strong opposition to its passage, lawmakers in support of the amendment, rallied support and pushed the bill through a second passage.

As it involves a constitution amendment, a third passage, Senate concurrence and those from at least 24 state houses of assembly, are expected to put the bill through to law.

Some of the opposing lawmakers say it was unlikely the bill will go through. “I will shoot it down,” said Gbajabiamila.

http://telegraphng.com/2013/06/reps-seek-more-powers-to-impeach-presidents/