Appeal Court affirms Philip Shaibu as Edo deputy governor
On Tuesday, the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld the lower court's decision to reinstate Philip Shaibu as Edo State's Deputy Governor.The appellate court dismissed the Edo State House of Assembly's appeal to uphold Shaibu's impeachment.
Shaibu was impeached on April 8, 2024, following the adoption of the report of a seven-man committee appointed by the state Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to investigate allegations of misconduct against him.
Charity Aiguobarueghian, the House Majority Leader, stated that while the panel's report did not establish the case of perjury brought against Shaibu, it did find him guilty of disclosing government secrets.
On July 17, Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja overturned the impeachment and ordered his immediate reinstatement.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the allegation on which the House of Assembly based its impeachment proceedings was legally untenable and constituted gross misconduct.
He directed the Inspector-General of Police to provide him with the necessary security to allow him to resume office and perform his duties until the end of his tenure.
The court warned that anyone other than Shaibu parading as deputy governor would face legal consequences.
The court also set aside Omobayo Godwin's appointment as the new deputy governor, replacing Shaibu.
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