The Edo State House of Assembly has issued a directive to the state Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to establish a seven-man panel to probe allegations levelled against the state Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu.
News About Nigeria gathered that the assembly is accusing the deputy governor of misconduct and unauthorised disclosure of government information to the public.
The panel is tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into these allegations and providing the necessary recommendations.
The directive came during a brief sitting presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.
Earlier this month, the Edo State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Shaibu, citing constitutional infractions.
However, Shaibu denied receiving any impeachment notice from the assembly.
In a letter dated March 12, 2024, addressed to the Speaker and titled “RE: Service of Impeachment Notice,” signed by the Personal Assistant to the Deputy Governor, Charles Olubayo, Shaibu refuted the claims of being served with any notice.
He stated that he has been out of the state since March 3, making it impossible for him to have received the alleged notice.
Shaibu’s supporters believe that the allegations against him are politically motivated, suggesting that he is being persecuted due to his interest in succeeding Governor Godwin Obaseki in office.
In February, the returning officer in the PDP governorship primary and Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, announced Asue Ighodalo as the winner of the delegate election, having polled a total of 577 votes.
However, in the parallel primaries that took place at the Benin residence of the deputy governor, the returning officer, Bartholomew Moses, declared Shaibu the winner, saying he won “with over 300 votes.
