By Milcah Tanimu
The Edo State House of Assembly has officially leveled accusations against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, citing impeachable offenses including the leakage of confidential government information and perjury. These allegations were presented during the inaugural session of a seven-member panel tasked with investigating Shaibu’s actions.
Led by retired Justice S.A. Omonuwa, the panel was established by the Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, in response to impeachment proceedings initiated by the Assembly on March 5. The proceedings were prompted by a petition alleging serious breaches by the Deputy Governor, including the disclosure of state secrets and perjury.
The rift between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki, particularly regarding Shaibu’s intentions to run in the upcoming Edo governorship race, is believed to be the underlying cause of the impeachment move.
Joe Ohaifa, the Deputy Clerk of the Assembly, outlined the accusations against Shaibu, highlighting his affidavit in support of a lawsuit in Abuja where he allegedly revealed details from State Executive Council meetings, contravening the Oath of Secrecy outlined in Schedule 7 of the 1999 Constitution.
The panel adjourned until Thursday to allow Shaibu the opportunity to present his defense.
In a related development, Shaibu’s legal counsel, Prof. Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), withdrew from the hearing after the panel rejected his request to suspend proceedings until the conclusion of a Federal High Court case in Abuja scheduled for April 8. This case seeks an interlocutory injunction to halt the impeachment process.
Awoyale argued that Section 188 (10) of the 1999 Constitution, which ostensibly prohibits court intervention in impeachment processes, should not preclude the court’s order. However, the panel, siding with Ohaifa, decided to proceed with the impeachment investigation.
Following the panel’s decision, Awoyale announced that Shaibu would no longer participate in the investigation, emphasizing the importance of respecting the judicial process scheduled for early April. He clarified that Shaibu’s withdrawal did not waive his right to defense but underscored the need to adhere to the upcoming court session.
