Despite a plea from the deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, asking the investigative panel set up as part of the process for his impeachment to stop sitting, the panel, headed by retired Justice S.A. Omonuwa, ruled on Wednesday that the panel would continue its investigation as there was no court order foreclosing it, News About Nigeria reports.
The panel’s decision was reached after the counsel to Shaibu, Professor Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), objected to the continuation of the investigation, claiming an order of the Abuja Federal High Court, which adjourned the case filed before it by Shaibu to April 8, 2024.
According to Awoyale, the parties to the case were directed by the court to appear and provide justification for the court’s decision to grant or reject the motions for an interlocutory injunction against the deputy governor’s impeachment, which had been started by the Edo State House of Assembly.
In his ruling, Justice Omonuwa (Rtd) stated that the Federal High Court in Abuja had merely requested that the parties appear and provide justification.
He further noted that the court hearing cannot in any way stop the panel from carrying out their responsibility of investigating the impeachment process against the deputy governor.
Also, the counsel for the House of Assembly and Deputy Clerk, Legal Department, Joe Oaifi, noted that the panel’s sitting was supported by Section 188 (10) of the Constitution, which foreclosed any court from preventing the House of Assembly and the panel from discharging their constitutional responsibilities.
He also added that the panel has every right, according to the law and constitution, to continue with the investigation process in the allegation of misconduct levelled against Shuaibu.
