By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Edo State House of Assembly has impeached the embattled state deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, following allegations of misconduct.
The decision came on Monday, following the adoption of the report of a seven-man investigative panel tasked with probing Shaibu’s actions.
Led by Justice S.A. Omonua (retd.), the panel delved into allegations including perjury and the leak of government secrets.
Despite multiple opportunities to defend himself, Shaibu failed to appear before the panel, leading to the assembly’s decision to proceed with the impeachment process.
The state assembly, acting as the petitioner, had opened and closed its case, giving Shaibu ample opportunity to refute the allegations.
However, Shaibu’s counsel, Oladoyin Awoyale, made a last-minute attempt to suspend the proceedings, citing a suit filed in Abuja challenging the impeachment move.
The panel, chaired by Omonua, rejected the suspension plea, clearing the path for the assembly to present its case against Shaibu.
The rift between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki has been brewing for some time, stemming from differences over political ambitions.
Shaibu’s bid for the governorship lacked Obaseki’s public endorsement, leading to tensions within the state’s political landscape.
In a bid to halt the impeachment proceedings, Shaibu served Obaseki and the House of Assembly an originating summons, seeking legal intervention.
However, the Federal High Court in Abuja declined to intervene, allowing the impeachment process to proceed.
Despite efforts to thwart the impeachment, Shaibu’s defense faltered, ultimately leading to his removal from office.
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