The Governor may remove any civil officer whose appointment devolves upon the Governor in the first instance, whether appointed by him or her or any of his or her predecessors, with or without the advice and consent of the Senate, and appoint a suitable person to succeed such official, subject to removal in his or her discretion, who shall be sworn and give the bond, if any, required by law. Such person, unless sooner removed, shall perform the duties and be entitled to the pay of the person whom he or she succeeds, until March 1 of the next biennial year and until his or her successor is appointed and has qualified.