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Emergency order in Nigerian state Emergency order in Nigerian state
(20 minutes later)
Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared a state of emergency in Ekiti State, following the impeachment of the local governor for corruption.Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared a state of emergency in Ekiti State, following the impeachment of the local governor for corruption.
Mr Obasanjo said he was taking action because the governor's sacking had been unconstitutional, and to prevent Ekiti descending into chaos.Mr Obasanjo said he was taking action because the governor's sacking had been unconstitutional, and to prevent Ekiti descending into chaos.
Both the chief justice and the attorney-general have said Ayo Fayose's sacking was illegal.Both the chief justice and the attorney-general have said Ayo Fayose's sacking was illegal.
Political tension is rising in Nigeria, ahead of election's next year. Political tension is rising in Nigeria, ahead of elections next year.
Mr Fayose has denied reports that he had fled the country, saying he was in hiding because he feared for his life. Mr Fayose has denied reports that he had fled the country, saying he was in hiding because he feared for his life but remained governor.
Two governors His deputy Biodun Olujimi, who was also impeached, says she is now acting governor, although the state of assembly has installed former speaker Friday Aderemi.
'Ridiculous'
President Obasanjo told national television that the governor's impeachment was "a clear case of usurpation of power."President Obasanjo told national television that the governor's impeachment was "a clear case of usurpation of power."
"We have come to a sad, ridiculous and unacceptable situation in Ekiti where we have three governors."
"It is dangerous for our democracy to allow this flagrant violation.""It is dangerous for our democracy to allow this flagrant violation."
On Monday, Ekiti State of House Assembly voted to remove him from power but several high-ranking officials have condemned the impeachment.On Monday, Ekiti State of House Assembly voted to remove him from power but several high-ranking officials have condemned the impeachment.
The Nigerian Bar Association called for a boycott of Ekiti State courts until the matter was resolved.The Nigerian Bar Association called for a boycott of Ekiti State courts until the matter was resolved.
Critics of President Olusegun Obasanjo say his anti-corruption drive is a cover for a political witch-hunt. Nigeria's remaining 35 governors met President Obasanjo and informed him that they would not accept Mr Aderemi at their Governors' Forum.
Former state assembly speaker Friday Aderemi has been sworn in as acting governor.
But Nigeria's remaining 35 governors met President Obasanjo and informed him that they would not accept Mr Aderemi at their Governors' Forum.
If the Ekiti State matter is not resolved, it could turn into a major crisis for the whole country, says the BBC's Mannir Dan Ali in Abuja.If the Ekiti State matter is not resolved, it could turn into a major crisis for the whole country, says the BBC's Mannir Dan Ali in Abuja.
Governors under fireGovernors under fire
Some senior Nigerian lawyers, however, say the impeachment reflected the "beauty of democracy".Some senior Nigerian lawyers, however, say the impeachment reflected the "beauty of democracy".
Mr Fayose is the third governor to be impeached since Nigeria returned to multiparty democracy in 1999.Mr Fayose is the third governor to be impeached since Nigeria returned to multiparty democracy in 1999.
Two other governors are currently facing impeachment proceedings from their local legislatures over allegations of corruption.Two other governors are currently facing impeachment proceedings from their local legislatures over allegations of corruption.
Nigeria's anti-corruption agency says it is investigating two-thirds of the country's governors.Nigeria's anti-corruption agency says it is investigating two-thirds of the country's governors.
While Mr Fayose was being sacked, MPs in Anambra State began impeachment proceedings against Governor Peter Obi.While Mr Fayose was being sacked, MPs in Anambra State began impeachment proceedings against Governor Peter Obi.
Early last week, Plateau State Governor Joshua Dariye was served with an impeachment notice in controversial circumstances that sparked riots in the central state.Early last week, Plateau State Governor Joshua Dariye was served with an impeachment notice in controversial circumstances that sparked riots in the central state.
Critics of President Obasanjo say his anti-corruption drive is a cover for a political witch-hunt.