The panel investigating the allegation of gross misconduct levelled against the Edo state deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, by the state House of Assembly on Thursday fixed Friday, April 5, 2024, as the day for final adjournment for Shuaibu to defend himself.
According to the seven-man panel set up by the Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, the decision was taken when it resumed its sitting today and was met with the deputy governor’s and his counsel’s absence.
When they began sitting, Justice S.A. Omonuwa (retd.) said that the panel would wait to see if the defendant would open his defence and thereafter called for the defendant.
However, when the deputy governor did not show up and had no one representing him, Justice Omonuwa called for the appearance of the plaintiff, the Edo State House of Assembly, which initiated the impeachment process.
The Legal Officer of the Edo State House of Assembly, N.U. Ibrahim, announced his appearance at the Assembly with two others.
Justice Omonuwa then ruled that the panel would still adjourn to allow the deputy governor to appear before it to present his defence.
“The panel is adjourned for the last time to April 5, 2024, at noon, to allow the defendant to present his defence,” the chairman of the panel announced.
News About Nigeria had reported that the panel insisted on probing the impeachment process despite plea from the deputy governor.
The deputy governor and his counsel pleaded that the case be halted as there is no need for further investigation/impeachment because the case is still in court.
