*Govt., Assembly Fill Appeals, Want Stay Of Execution
*’Godwins Remain Deputy Governor’
A FEDERAL High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice James Omotosho, on Wednesday, July 17, set aside the impeachment of Mr. Philip Shaibu by the state House of Assembly as Edo State Deputy Governor.
Justice Omotosho, in the judgement, held that Shuaibu’s impeachment and subsequent removal from office violated the provisions of the law.
The court, consequently declared his impeachment on April 8, 2024, by the Assembly as politically-motivated and unlawful, ordering his reinstatement as deputy governor of the state.
In addition, the court ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to restore his security details as deputy governor.
Justice Omotosho further ordered that Shaibu’s salaries and allowances, from April, when he was impeached, should be paid to him.
Recall that Shaibu was impeached after the House adopted the report of a seven-member investigative panel, headed by Justice S. A. Omonuwa (rtd), which was set up by the state Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa on the directive of the Assembly.
Shaibu, who was accused of “misconduct, perjury and disclosure of government secrets,” fell out with Governor Godwin Obaseki, following his avowed intention to contest the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary against the governor’s anointed aspirant and eventual winner, Asue Ighodalo.
In its reaction, the Assembly said it had immediately appealled the judgment and also filled a stay of execution, pending the determination of the appeal.
Meanwhile, the state government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, said Mr. Omobayo Marvellous Godwins, who replaced Shaibu would remain in his position, pending the determination of the appeal filed by the government.
Nehikhare said: “Following the Federal High Court, Abuja, judgment that faulted the impeachment of the erstwhile deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, the Edo State Government has filed a stay of execution of the judgment.
“Pending the hearing of the appeal of the judgment, the incumbent Deputy Governor, Omobayo Marvellous Godwins, remains and continues to serve as the valid deputy governor of Edo State.
“He will continue to serve in this capacity and would be recognised as such.
“The government hereby calls on the people of Edo State to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses.”
