Correct Option: C. Legislature Explanation of the Correct Answer In Nigeria, the power to impeach the president is vested in the Legislature, which is made up of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The impeachment process is a constitutional mechanism that allows the legislature to remove the president from office for misconduct, violation of the constitution, or other serious offenses. Step-by-Step Explanation of the Impeachment Process:

1. Initiation: The impeachment process begins in the House of Representatives. A member of the House must present a motion for impeachment, which must be supported by a significant number of members (usually a two-thirds majority).
2. Investigation: Once the motion is passed, the House of Representatives will conduct an investigation into the allegations against the president. This may involve hearings and gathering evidence.
3. Articles of Impeachment: If the investigation finds sufficient grounds for impeachment, the House will draft articles of impeachment, which outline the specific charges against the president.
4. Voting: The House of Representatives will then vote on the articles of impeachment. A two-thirds majority is required to pass the articles.
5. Senate Trial: If the articles are approved, the process moves to the Senate, which conducts a trial. The Senate acts as the jury, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria presides over the trial.
6. Final Vote: After the trial, the Senate will vote on whether to convict or acquit the president. A two-thirds majority in the Senate is required for conviction.
7. Removal from Office: If the president is convicted, he or she is removed from office. If acquitted, the president remains in office.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

• A. Executive: The executive branch, which includes the president and the cabinet, does not have the power to impeach itself. Impeachment is a legislative function designed to hold the executive accountable.
• B. Judiciary: The judiciary interprets and applies the law but does not have the authority to impeach the president. The judiciary can, however, be involved in legal proceedings related to impeachment, such as ruling on the constitutionality of the process.
• D. Supreme Court: Similar to the judiciary, the Supreme Court does not have the power to impeach the president. Its role is to ensure that laws and actions comply with the constitution, but it does not engage in the impeachment process itself.

Common Pitfalls

• Confusing the Roles: Students often confuse the roles of the different branches of government. Remember that impeachment is strictly a legislative function.
• Misunderstanding the Process: It’s important to understand that impeachment does not mean removal; it is a process that can lead to removal if the president is convicted by the Senate.
• Overlooking the Majority Requirement: Many students forget that a two-thirds majority is required at both the House and Senate stages for impeachment to proceed.

Revision Summary

• The Legislature (House of Representatives and Senate) has the power to impeach the president in Nigeria.
• The impeachment process involves initiation, investigation, drafting articles, and voting in both the House and Senate.
• A two-thirds majority is required for both the House to pass articles of impeachment and the Senate to convict.
• The executive and judiciary do not have the power to impeach; their roles are distinct and separate from the impeachment process.