"Resuming the Impeachment Firestorm: Edo Deputy Governor's Legal Battle Heats Up"

In today's proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the lawsuit filed by Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, against the state House of Assembly's impeachment move will resume. This legal battle commenced after Shaibu contested the Assembly's decision to impeach him, prompting Justice I. E. Ekwo to adjourn the case to April 8 for the defendants to present their arguments against Shaibu's plea to halt the impeachment proceedings.

Recently, a seven-man impeachment panel, chaired by Justice Omonuwa (retd.), concluded its investigation after Shaibu failed to appear before it to defend himself against allegations of perjury and leaking government secrets. Despite being given multiple opportunities, Shaibu or his legal representatives did not attend the panel's sessions, causing the proceedings to proceed in his absence.

The panel's decision to adjourn its sitting came after the Edo State House of Assembly, acting as the petitioner, presented its case against Shaibu. The Assembly's argument focused on Shaibu's alleged disclosure of sensitive government information, which they claim violates his oath of secrecy and constitutional provisions outlined in Schedule 7 of the 1999 Constitution.

During the proceedings, Shaibu's legal counsel, Prof Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), made attempts to suspend the panel's proceedings pending the outcome of a separate lawsuit in Abuja. However, the panel, led by Justice Omonuwa, rejected this request, prompting Awoyale to excuse himself from further participation in the hearings. Following his departure, the Assembly's Deputy Clerk, Joe Ohiafi, continued presenting the case against Shaibu, highlighting the alleged breaches of confidentiality.

In the absence of Shaibu's defense, the panel proceeded to conclude its investigation, announcing its intention to draft a report detailing its findings. This report will be forwarded to the Edo State Chief Justice, who established the investigative panel. However, the timeline for the report's submission to the House of Assembly remains uncertain, as it is solely at the discretion of the Chief Justice.

As the legal proceedings continue, the Edo State House of Assembly awaits the panel's report eagerly. However, without control over the report's delivery timeline, the Assembly remains in a state of anticipation for its findings and recommendations regarding Philip Shaibu's impeachment case.

Kindly share this story and follow us for more engaging contents