Edo State Assembly Accuses Deputy Governor Shaibu of Impeachable Offenses
In a significant development, the Edo State House of Assembly has officially leveled accusations against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, alleging a series of impeachable offenses, including the unauthorized disclosure of confidential government information and perjury. These allegations surfaced during the inaugural session of a seven-member panel tasked with probing Shaibu’s conduct.
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The panel, chaired by retired Justice S.A. Omonuwa, was established by the Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, in response to the Assembly’s commencement of impeachment proceedings on March 5. The move came following a petition filed against the Deputy Governor, citing serious breaches such as divulging state secrets and committing perjury.
At the heart of the impeachment proceedings lies the escalating discord between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki, particularly fueled by Shaibu’s aspirations to contest in the upcoming Edo governorship race.
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During the session, Joe Ohaifa, the Deputy Clerk of the Assembly, meticulously outlined the allegations against Shaibu, notably highlighting his purported revelation of sensitive information from State Executive Council meetings in an affidavit submitted for a lawsuit in Abuja. This act allegedly violated the Oath of Secrecy as stipulated in Schedule 7 of the 1999 Constitution.
The panel adjourned its proceedings until Thursday to afford Shaibu an opportunity to present his defense.
In a preceding development, Shaibu’s legal representative, Prof. Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), withdrew from the hearing after the panel dismissed his plea to halt the proceedings pending the conclusion of a related Federal High Court case in Abuja scheduled for April 8. This case seeks an interlocutory injunction to halt the impeachment process.
Awoyale contended that the constitutional provision cited by the Deputy Clerk, Section 188(10) of the 1999 Constitution, which ostensibly prohibits court intervention in impeachment proceedings, should not override the court’s authority. However, the panel, siding with Ohaifa, opted to proceed with the impeachment investigation.
Following the panel’s decision, Awoyale announced his client’s non-participation in further proceedings, emphasizing the importance of respecting the impending court session.
Despite Awoyale’s withdrawal, he clarified that this action did not imply a waiver of Shaibu’s right to defense but underscored the significance of upholding the judicial process slated for early April.
The imbroglio surrounding Deputy Governor Shaibu’s alleged misconduct underscores the intensifying political dynamics within Edo State, warranting meticulous scrutiny and adherence to due process.
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