The Northern Marianas attorney general, Joey Patrick San Nicolas, is backing a call for his predecessor, Edward Buckingham, to be extradited to the CNMI to help restore trust and confidence in the Office of the Attorney General.
The call came initially from CNMI's delegate to the US Congress, Gregorio Kilili Sablan, who says the U.S. Department of Justice would be willing to pursue Mr Buckingham but the CNMI has to initiate the extradition process.
He says a request from Mr San Nicolas to the U.S. Attorney Alicia Limtiaco would be necessary to initiate Mr Buckingham's arrest.
Mr Buckingham was forced to resign in August amid allegations of misconduct in public office.
The acting governor, Eloy Inos, says any decision on extradition rests with the attorney general, in consultation with the governor.
He also says the administration is concerned at the costs of an extradition process.
