Appeal Court upholds judgement nullifying Shaibu’s impeachment
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed the judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja which nullified the impeachment of Philip Shaibu as Edo State deputy governor.
Ruling on Tuesday, a three-member panel of justices held that the lower court was right in its judgment.
The appellate court, in the judgement, dismissed the appeal filed by the Edo State House of Assembly against the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, thereby affirming that Philip Shaibu remains the Deputy Governor of Edo State.
In its decision, the Court of Appeal warned that any person aside from Shaibu who attempts to parade themselves as the Deputy Governor of Edo State would face legal consequences.
Additionally, the court set aside the appointment of Omobayo Godwins, who was named as Shaibu’s replacement following the impeachment.
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The court also directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to provide Shaibu with the necessary security to ensure that he resumes his duties as the deputy governor of Edo State until the end of his tenure.
Shaibu was impeached on April 8 by the Edo State House of Assembly, where he was accused of perjury and leaking government secrets.
Shaibu challenged his impeachment before a Federal High Court in Abuja, where the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, ruled that the impeachment process did not follow due process and, as a result, ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement to his position.
