The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a lower court’s decision to reinstate Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, dismissed an appeal by the Edo State House of Assembly that sought to maintain Shaibu’s impeachment.
Shaibu was initially impeached on April 8, 2024, after the Edo State House of Assembly adopted the findings of a seven-man committee set up by the state Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa. The committee was tasked with investigating allegations of misconduct against Shaibu. While the committee did not find sufficient evidence to support the perjury charges against him, it did accuse Shaibu of disclosing government secrets, which led to his impeachment.
However, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, overturned the impeachment on July 17, 2024. Justice Omotosho ruled that the grounds for Shaibu’s impeachment were legally unfounded and constituted gross misconduct on the part of the Assembly. He ordered Shaibu’s immediate reinstatement and directed the Inspector-General of Police to provide security to ensure Shaibu could resume his duties without hindrance.
“The allegation on which the House of Assembly based the impeachment proceedings was untenable in law and constituted gross misconduct,” stated Justice Omotosho in his ruling.
He further warned that anyone attempting to act as the deputy governor in place of Shaibu would face legal consequences. This warning effectively nullified the appointment of Omobayo Godwin, who had been named as Shaibu’s replacement following the impeachment.
The Court of Appeal’s decision to affirm Justice Omotosho’s ruling reinforces Shaibu’s position as the legitimate Deputy Governor of Edo State. This outcome is seen as a crucial affirmation of legal processes and the rule of law in the state. The Assembly’s efforts to impeach Shaibu were deemed inappropriate by the court, signaling a victory for due process.