Shaibu Returns As Edo Deputy Gov, Assembly Appeals Judgement

Months after being impeached by the state legislature, Philip Shaibu was restored to his position as deputy governor of Edo State by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice Omotoso ruled on Wednesday that the Edo State House of Assembly’s impeachment was unlawful and unconstitutional.

According to the judge, there was a flagrant constitutional infringement with the impeachment.

In addition to giving Shaibu his job back, the court mandated that he start receiving his salary and benefits from April forward, the month he was impeached from his position as the state’s deputy governor.

READ ALSO: Shaibu Has seven days to return 22 Govt vehicles at his Disposal

Meanwhile,  the Edo State House of Assembly has appealed the judgement of the High Court and has filed a motion for a stay of execution pending appeal.

Wednesday’s verdict came about three months after the lawmakers impeached the embattled 54-year-old as the state’s deputy governor.

In a move that was seen as the culmination of the long-drawn battle between him and Governor Godwin Obaseki, the lawmakers after investigations said they found Shaibu guilty of disclosure of government secrets.

READ ALSO: Shaibu Has seven days to return 22 Govt vehicles at his Disposal

The seven-man panel set up by the Edo State Assembly therefore recommended his impeachment on that ground.

The assembly then upheld and approved the recommendation of the seven-man panel and subsequently impeached him as the state’s deputy governor.

Eighteen out of 19 members present at plenary voted for Shaibu’s impeachment. Only one abstained from the headcount and voting process, ending the process