Edo Assembly opposes court order reinstating Shaibu as dep gov, files appeal

The Edo State House of Assembly has filed an appeal against the judgment of Justice J. K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which overturned the impeachment of the state’s former deputy governor, Philip Shaibu.

In response to Justice Omotosho’s ruling earlier today, the State Assembly has also submitted a stay of execution on the judgment pending the outcome of their appeal.

Justice Omotosho, in his verdict, nullified Shaibu’s impeachment as the deputy governor, citing the Assembly’s failure to adhere to due process during the impeachment proceedings. He further invalidated the appointment of the new deputy governor who replaced Shaibu.

Shaibu’s rift with Governor Godwin Obaseki stemmed from his aspiration to succeed his boss. Despite Obaseki’s endorsement of Asue Ighodalo as his preferred candidate, Shaibu and nine others contested against Ighodalo, who eventually secured the nomination.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: Abuja court orders reinstatement of Shaibu as Edo deputy governor

Following the nomination process, the Edo State House of Assembly impeached Shaibu on Monday, April 8, 2024, following the adoption of a report by a seven-man investigative panel chaired by retired Justice S.A. Omonua. The panel had investigated allegations of misconduct including perjury and the alleged leaking of government secrets against the former deputy governor.

Shaibu declined to appear before the panel during its proceedings.

Shaibu’s impeachment was supported by 18 out of 19 members present during the Assembly’s plenary session, with one member abstaining from the vote.

Governor Godwin Obaseki subsequently appointed Marvellous Omobayo as his new deputy following Shaibu’s impeachment, to serve out the remainder of his second term in office, which concludes on November 11, 2024.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now