POLITICS

Edo State Deputy Governor Impeached Following Allegations of Misconduct

The Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has been impeached by the State Assembly following misconduct allegations. The impeachment process began after a panel investigation revealed concerning details regarding Shaibu’s conduct, leading to heightened political tensions within the state.

Published

3 weeks ago

April 8, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

Edo State Deputy Governor Impeached Following Allegations of Misconduct

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has faced impeachment by the State Assembly following the adoption of a report by a seven-man panel tasked with investigating allegations of misconduct against him.

The panel, led by retired Justice S. A. Omonuwa, commenced its proceedings last Wednesday in Benin, the state capital. However, Shaibu or his legal representatives failed to appear to defend the allegations throughout the panel’s sitting, which concluded on Friday.

The Edo State House of Assembly, acting as the petitioner, presented its case against Shaibu on Wednesday and closed it, allowing Shaibu to respond to the allegations.

Shaibu’s legal counsel, Oladoyin Awoyale, initially attended the panel’s inaugural sitting but withdrew amid the proceedings after the panel denied his request to suspend the hearing pending the outcome of a lawsuit in Abuja challenging the impeachment proceedings.

During the hearing, the Assembly accused Shaibu of leaking state government secrets in the affidavit submitted as part of his lawsuit in Abuja. Specifically, Shaibu was charged with disclosing documents related to the State Executive Council’s meetings, violating his oath of secrecy, and acting contrary to constitutional provisions.

At Friday’s sitting, the assembly was represented by its Legal Officer, N.U. Ibrahim, along with two others. The proceedings highlighted the severe allegations against Shaibu and the legal battle surrounding his impeachment, underscoring the political tensions within Edo State.

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