The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has constituted a seven-member panel in the ongoing impeachment proceedings against the state’s Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, News About Nigeria reports.
Justice Okungbowa constituted the panel to investigate the allegations levelled against Shaibu by the Edo State House of Assembly.
The panel was constituted on Friday via a statement endorsed by the Chief Registrar of the Edo State High Court, B. O. Osawaru.
The panel, formed in accordance with Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution, is chaired by retired Justice S.A. Omonua.
Other members include Professor Violet Aigbokhaebo, Professor Boniface Onomion Edegbai, Professor Theresa Akpoghome, Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu, Andrew Oliha, and Idris Abdulkareen.
The statement read, “This is to bring to the notice of the general public that in line with Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Honourable Chief Judge of Edo State, Honourable Justice D. I. Okungbowa, has constituted the panel of seven persons to investigate the allegations contained in the impeachment notice against the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu.”
The constitution of the panel follows a resolution passed by the Edo State House of Assembly on March 19, 2024.
In the resolution, 19 out of the 24 members directed the Chief Judge to initiate the investigative process.
However, the initiation of the panel comes amidst legal challenges from Shaibu.
On the same day as the resolution, Shaibu approached the Abuja Federal High Court, seeking to restrain the assembly, the Chief Judge, and Governor Godwin Obaseki from proceeding with the impeachment process.
The court, presided over by Justice James Omotoso, declined to grant the request but instead directed that all parties be served by substituted means.
The matter is adjourned until April 15, 2024.
