By Milcah Tanimu
The Federal High Court in Abuja has declined to halt the impeachment proceedings initiated by the Edo State House of Assembly against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu. Justice James Omotosho rejected an oral application by Shaibu’s lawyer, Prof. Olawoyin Awoyale, seeking to maintain the status quo in the matter.
Noting that the Governor of Edo State and the State House of Assembly, as key players, had not been served with the Originating Summons, the judge granted Shaibu’s request to serve the court papers on Obaseki and the State House of Assembly through substituted means.
Justice Omotoso ordered that the court process be affixed to the entrance gates of the Edo State Government House and the State House of Assembly Complex in Benin. Additionally, he directed that all court papers be served on the parties involved using a registered courier company.
Further proceedings in the case have been adjourned until April 15.
The impeachment proceedings against Shaibu stem from allegations of leaking government secrets, prompting the Edo State House of Assembly to commence the process on March 5, 2024. In response, Shaibu filed a suit seeking to restrain the defendants from proceeding with his impeachment. However, the judge refused to grant temporary relief to Shaibu for the second time, emphasizing the necessity for proper service of court documents.
The ongoing impeachment saga reflects the strained relationship between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki, exacerbated by Shaibu’s declaration of interest in the Edo governorship race last year.
Leave a Reply