See how Shaibu is Overcome with Emotion as Court Reverses Impeachment
Report by Deborah Musa and Adeyinka Adedipe
On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja annulled the impeachment of Phillip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.
Shaibu, visibly moved, shed tears of joy in court as Justice James Omotosho mandated his immediate reinstatement.
The judge ruled that the Edo State House of Assembly failed to follow due process in the impeachment proceedings and instructed the Inspector General of Police to ensure Shaibu’s security, allowing him to resume his duties until the end of his tenure.
Additionally, the court nullified the appointment of Omobayo Godwins as Shaibu’s replacement.
The judge determined that the allegations against Shaibu, which included accusations of perjury and leaking government secrets, did not amount to gross misconduct under the law. The Assembly had impeached Shaibu on April 8 based on an affidavit he had submitted in a lawsuit against Governor Godwin Obaseki.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Musa Ebomhiena, Shaibu hailed the judgment as a triumph for democracy and the rule of law. He stated, “This is a victory for democracy and the rule of law. The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man. For those who believe they can control the fate of others, this judgment serves as a lesson. Divine authority appoints and dethrones as it pleases. Those who have ears, let them hear.”
Shaibu’s impeachment had escalated the conflict between him and Governor Obaseki. The rift stemmed from Shaibu’s gubernatorial ambitions, which clashed with Obaseki’s preference for Asue Ighodalo, a former Chairman of Sterling Bank and the current governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the upcoming September 21 election.
