Impeachment: Edo CJ Constitutes Panel To Probe Philip Shaibu

Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has formed a seven-member panel to investigate the accusations made by the state House of Assembly against the state Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu. This is part of the impeachment process initiated by the Assembly.

Gatekeepers News reports that the panel was created on Friday through a statement, bearing reference number CR/4837/Vol. I/131, endorsed by the Chief Registrar of the Edo State High Court, B. O. Osawaru. Retired Justice S.A. Omonua has been appointed as the head of the panel.

The CJ stated in the statement that he was acting in accordance with the powers vested in him by Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution.

The statement read, “This is to bring to the notice of the general public that in line with Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Honourable Chief Judge of Edo State, Honourable Justice D. I. Okungbowa, has constituted the panel of seven persons to investigate the allegations contained in the impeachment notice against the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu.

“The said panel of seven persons is comprised of the following persons: Hon. Justice S.A. Omonua (retd.) – Chairman, Professor Violet Aigbokhaebo- member, Professor Boniface Onomion Edegbai -member, Professor Theresa Akpoghome – member, Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu – member, Andrew Oliha- member and Idris Abdulkareen- member.”

On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, the Edo State House of Assembly passed a resolution, directing the CJ to establish a seven-man panel to investigate Shaibu, with 19 out of the 24 members voting in favor of the resolution.

The same day, Shaibu filed an ex-parte motion with an Abuja Federal High Court, asking the court to restrain the assembly, the CJ, and his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, from taking further action on the impeachment process pending the determination of the substantive matter before the court.

In the motion, dated and filed on March 18, the deputy governor, through his lawyer, Prof Oladoyin Awoyale, also joined the Edo State Government, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Clerk of the Assembly, the Director General of the Department of State Security, and the Inspector General of the Police.

The court, presided over by Justice James Omotoso, turned down the request, insisting that all parties be put on notice, but granted the request that the parties be served by substituted means. It adjourned the matter to April 15, 2024.