On Wednesday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja made a landmark ruling, declaring the impeachment of Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State null and void.
News About Nigeria reports that in his judgement, Justice Omotosho ordered the immediate reinstatement of Shaibu to his former position, citing the failure of the Edo State House of Assembly to follow due process in their impeachment proceedings.
Furthermore, the court invalidated the appointment of the new Deputy Governor who had replaced Shaibu, deeming it unlawful.
The court’s decision was based on the finding that the allegations leading to Shaibu’s impeachment were unfounded and did not constitute gross misconduct.
This ruling effectively clears Shaibu’s name and restores his mandate as Deputy Governor.
To ensure a seamless transition, Justice Omotosho directed the Inspector General of Police to provide Shaibu with the necessary security to facilitate his resumption of duties and enable him to serve out his term.
The Edo State House of Assembly impeached Shaibu on Monday, April 8, 2024, following the adoption of the report of the seven-man investigative panel set up by the state chief judge to probe allegations of misconduct against the former deputy governor.
The investigative panel that set up the EDHA was headed by Justice S.A. Omonua (retd.) and probed Shaibu on allegations of perjury and leakage of government secrets, ending its sittings with the former deputy governor refusing to appear.
Shaibu was impeached by the vote of 18 out of 19 members of the Assembly present at plenary, while one abstained from the headcount and voting process.
In the wake of Shaibu’s impeachment, Governor Godwin Obaseki picked Omobayo Marvellous Godwins as his deputy to complete his second tenure in office, which will end on November 11, 2024.
