Impeachment Panel Drama Unfolds in Edo State

The inaugural sitting of the impeachment panel convened by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to investigate allegations against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, was marked by drama and legal wrangling.

The panel was constituted following an impeachment notice served on Shaibu by the State House of Assembly.

Chaired by retired Justice S.A. Omonua, other members include Professor Theresa Akpoghome, Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu, Surveyor Andrew Oliha, Idris Abdulkareen, President Aigbokhian, and Mariam Erakhoba Ilavbare.

The session, held at the Judges Conference Hall in Benin City, saw Shaibu’s counsel, Prof Oladoyin Awoyale, SAN, pointing to a Federal High Court ruling ordering the panel to justify why an interlocutory injunction to maintain the status quo on the impeachment proceedings should not be granted until the court decides otherwise on April 8, 2024.

Awoyale argued that Shaibu could not participate in the panel’s proceedings in line with the court order.

However, Joe Ohiafi, representing the State House of Assembly, cited Section 188 Sub-section 10 of the Constitution, stating the panel’s proceedings could not be questioned by any court.

The panel, after a short adjournment, ruled in favor of the House of Assembly’s counsel, stating that the issues raised by Shaibu’s counsel pertained to his fundamental human rights and did not warrant halting the proceedings.

In response, Shaibu’s counsel withdrew from the proceedings, citing non-compliance with the court order.

Furthermore, a twist occurred as the counsel to the House of Assembly, Joe Ohiafi, suddenly became a witness.

The deputy clerk, earlier introduced as counsel to the House, also turned into a witness for the complainant.

Despite these developments, the panel continued with its proceedings.

The deputy clerk, testifying as a witness, tendered documents including a Vanguard newspaper publication, a suit filed by Shaibu against the Inspector General of Police, and attendance records of State Executive Council meetings.

The panel adjourned to April 4, 2024, for Shaibu to respond to the allegations against him.