Fresh crisis looms in Edo as lawmakers impeach Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu

The Edo State House of Assembly impeached Comrade Philip Shaibu, the state's deputy governor, on Monday, April 8.

The impeachment followed the adoption of the report of the Assembly's seven-man investigative panel, which was formed to investigate allegations of misconduct against Shaibu.

His impeachment is on the heels of the ongoing feud between himself and the incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

This development may likely spark a fresh crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the entire state as they prepare for this year's gubernatorial polls.

What led to Shaibu's ouster?

A recent update indicates that a seven-member panel tasked with probing accusations of constitutional violations against Edo State's deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, wrapped up its session on Friday, April 5, 2024, without Shaibu or his legal representative making an appearance.

The panel sent the report to the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa. 

Headed by Justine Stephen A. Omonuwa (Rtd), the seven-member panel had previously announced that it would adjourn for the final time on Friday to provide Shaibu, the respondent, an opportunity to respond to the accusations brought against him. 

The decision to adjourn followed Shaibu's and his counsel's absence during Thursday's session.

During the panel's first session on Wednesday, Shaibu's representative, Professor Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), conveyed Shaibu's decision not to proceed with the panel's proceedings. 

This was due to a directive from the Abuja High Court requesting all involved parties in a case initiated by Shaibu regarding enforcing fundamental human rights to appear on Monday, April 8, 2024, to present reasons for or against granting the requested reliefs.

Despite the panel's dismissal of the objection, Awoyale (SAN) asked permission to withdraw from the proceedings.

As reported by Vanguard, the chairman of the panel said, “the panel adjourned sitting for the last time for today to allow the respondent to defend himself.

“The panel shall retire to go and write its report as required by the constitution.”