The Edo State House of Assembly has impeached Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu on Monday.
This decision comes in the wake of an investigative panel’s report, chaired by retired Justice S.A. Omonua, appointed by the State Chief Judge to probe allegations of misconduct against Shaibu.
The panel, which concluded its proceedings on Friday, had summoned Shaibu to defend allegations including perjury and leaking government secrets. Despite being given multiple opportunities, Shaibu failed to appear before the panel, prompting the Assembly to proceed with the impeachment.
Shaibu’s counsel, Oladoyin Awoyale, had sought a suspension of proceedings pending the outcome of a suit filed in Abuja challenging the impeachment. However, this request was denied by the panel, represented by Deputy Clerk Joe Ohiafi.
The ongoing rift between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki, stemming from differences over political ambitions, has been cited as a factor in the impeachment proceedings. Shaibu had attempted to halt the impeachment by serving Obaseki and the Assembly with an originating summons, but the Federal High Court in Abuja declined to intervene.
Further updates on this developing story are awaited.
