Impeachment Inquiry Launched: Edo Chief Justice Forms Panel To Investigate Shaibu

Impeachment Inquiry Launched: Edo Chief Justice Forms Panel To Investigate Shaibu

Edo State’s Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has formed a seven-member panel to look into allegations against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, as per a statement by the Chief Registrar of the Edo State High Court, B. O. Osawaru, under reference number: CR/4837 /Vol. I/131.

The panel, led by retired Justice S.A. Omonua, was constituted on Friday, as outlined in the statement, citing Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution, empowering the Chief Judge to act accordingly.

This move aligns with the Assembly’s steps towards impeaching the deputy governor, as stated by Osawaru, who disclosed, “This is to bring to the general public’s attention…”

The seven-member panel includes Hon. Justice S.A. Omonua (retd.) as Chairman, with members such as Professor Violet Aigbokhaebo, Professor Boniface Onomion Edegbai, Professor Theresa Akpoghome, Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu, Andrew Oliha, and Idris Abdulkareen.

On March 19, 2024, the Assembly passed a resolution directing the Chief Judge to form the panel, following a request by 19 out of 24 members. Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Shaibu sought to halt the process through an ex-parte motion filed in an Abuja Federal High Court on March 18. However, the court, presided over by Justice James Omotoso, declined the request, opting for all parties to be informed.

The court granted the request for substituted service and set the next hearing for April 15, 2024. Notably, the Edo State Government, the House of Assembly Speaker, the Assembly Clerk, the Director General of the Department of State Security, and the Inspector General of Police are parties to the motion.

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