"Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu Launches Legal Offensive to Thwart Impeachment: Tensions Rise as Legal Battle Unfolds"

Philip Shuaib - Edo state dep. Gov

 Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu Initiates Legal Action to Halt Impeachment Proceedings

In a dramatic turn of events, Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has launched a legal offensive to halt the impeachment proceedings against him. Amidst escalating tensions and political maneuvering, Shaibu's legal team initiated the process by serving originating summons to Governor Godwin Obaseki and the State House of Assembly.

The move comes in response to the State House of Assembly's decision to commence impeachment proceedings against Shaibu on March 5, citing allegations of perjury and leaking government secrets. In a bid to challenge the validity of the impeachment process, Shaibu's legal representatives swiftly took action, seeking judicial intervention to halt the proceedings.

Initially met with resistance, Shaibu encountered difficulties when attempting to serve the court papers to Governor Obaseki's office. However, undeterred by the obstacles, Shaibu's team resorted to alternative means, successfully delivering the summons via courier to the Governor's office and ensuring their placement at the entrance of the State House of Assembly.

Despite these efforts, the Federal High Court in Abuja declined Shaibu's request to immediately halt the impeachment proceedings. Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, cited the failure to serve the principal actors, Governor Obaseki and the State House of Assembly, with the originating summons as required by law. However, the judge granted Shaibu's plea to serve the court papers on the concerned parties through substituted means, paving the way for further legal action.

As the legal battle unfolds, tensions continue to mount in Edo State, with both sides closely monitoring developments. The case challenging the impeachment move is scheduled for April 15, with stakeholders eagerly anticipating the outcome.

In the midst of these legal proceedings, questions arise regarding adherence to due process and the rule of law. The implications of this legal battle extend beyond the fate of Deputy Governor Shaibu, with potential repercussions for the political landscape of Edo State and the wider Nigerian political arena.

Amidst calls for intervention from the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, the outcome of this legal showdown remains uncertain, yet poised to reshape the political dynamics in Edo State.