The coming days promises to be an interesting one in Edo State.
The recent decision of a Federal High Court in Abuja to reinstate Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of the state has spark new waves of controversy.
It was on Wednesday, July 17, that the court nullified the impeachment of Philip Shaibu.
On the fateful day, Justice James Omotosho, read his judgment.
Omotosho ordered his reinstatement to office on the grounds that the Edo State House of Assembly failed to comply with due process in purporting to impeach Shaibu.
Philip Shaibu Shed Tears Of Joy
Shaibu, who was in court, shed tears of joy upon hearing the judge’s pronouncements.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the allegation on which the House of Assembly impeached Phillip Shaibu was untenable in law and does not constitute a gross misconduct.
This decision by the High Court will spark fresh controversy in Edo State.
The judge himself is fully aware of what his decision means for the state.
He has ordered the IGP to provide Philip Shaibu with adequate security.
This will enable Shaibu resume office and perform the functions of the office until the end of his tenure.
Justice Omotosho set aside the appointment of another Deputy Governor in the place of Shaibu.
The Appeal
As we speak, the Edo State House of Assembly has appealed the judgement by Hon. Justice J. K. Omotosho.
The State Assembly has also filed a stay of execution on the judgement pending appeal.
For those that might have forgotten, the Edo State House of Assembly, had on Monday, April 8, 2024, impeached Philip Shaibu.
This move followed the adoption of a report by a seven-man investigative panel set up by the State Chief Judge to probe allegations of misconduct against the former deputy governor.
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The investigative panel set up the EDHA was headed by Justice S.A. Omonua (retd.).
This panel probed Shaibu on allegations of perjury and leaking of government secrets.
The Impeachment
However, it ended its sittings with the former deputy governor refusing to appear before it.
Shaibu was impeached by the vote of eighteen out of 19 members of the Assembly present at plenary, while one abstained from the headcount and voting process.
The State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, had upon the impeachment of Shaibu picked Omobayo Marvellous Godwins as his deputy to complete his second tenure in office, which lapses on November 11, 2024.
This could make it difficult for the governor to accept Shaibu as his deputy.
