Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Impeachment of CNMI governor one step closer

Posted at 16:30 on 31 January, 2013 UTC

A special committee in the Northern Marianas reviewing a resolution impeaching the Governor Benigno Fitial has approved the rest of the 18 allegations of corruption, neglect of duty, and felony.

The committee is chaired by a House representative Tony Sablan, who says they’re looking at giving one day for the Legislative Bureau to work on the report and one day for committee members to review the report before presenting it to the speaker.

Mr Sablan says he expects a full House vote by Thursday or Friday next week.

All the 16 House leadership members signed as co-sponsors of the impeachment resolution, more than enough to impeach the governor.

Only at least 14 yes votes are needed in the 20-member House to elevate the impeachment process to the Senate.