The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to resume hearing today (Monday) on the lawsuit filed by Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, challenging the move by the state House of Assembly to impeach him.
This case follows the conclusion of the impeachment panel’s proceedings last Friday after Shaibu or his counsel failed to appear before the panel to defend himself against allegations of perjury and leaking government secrets.
Justice I. E. Ekwo had previously adjourned the case to April 8 (today) for the defendants to appear and show cause why Shaibu’s prayer to halt the impeachment proceedings should not be granted.
The seven-man impeachment panel, headed by Justice Omonuwa (retd.), concluded its sitting on Friday in Benin after Shaibu’s absence.
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During the panel’s proceedings, Shaibu’s counsel, Prof Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), attended the opening day but later excused himself when the panel declined to suspend proceedings pending a lawsuit in Abuja.
The Assembly, represented by its Deputy Clerk, Joe Ohiafi, continued to present its case against Shaibu, alleging that he leaked government secrets in an affidavit filed in Abuja and violated the Oath of Secrecy.
Now, with the panel’s proceedings concluded, the report will be forwarded to the Edo State Chief Justice, who set up the investigative panel.
The Edo State House of Assembly is also awaiting the report, although they cannot determine the exact timing of its arrival as it is under the jurisdiction of the Chief Judge.
This legal battle between the Edo State Deputy Governor and the State House of Assembly is a significant development in Edo’s political landscape, and today’s court session will shed more light on the ongoing dispute.
