N.D. Cent. Code § 44-11-04

If the governor judges that the best interests of the state require it to be done, the governor by written order to be delivered to such officer, may suspend the accused officer from the performance of duty during the pendency of the removal proceedings. If the governor suspends the accused, the governor immediately shall notify the board or persons authorized to fill a vacancy in that office, and that board or those persons, within five days after receipt of such notice, shall appoint a competent person to fill the office and perform the duties of the officer during the suspension.