In a decisive move, the Edo State House of Assembly has voted to impeach the state’s deputy governor, Philip Shaibu. This development transpired during the assembly’s plenary session held in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.
Shaibu’s impeachment came in the wake of a thorough investigation conducted by a specially appointed seven-member committee, presided over by Justice Daniel Okungbowa, the chief judge of Edo State. The committee was tasked with probing allegations of misconduct levelled against the deputy governor.
The impeachment proceedings had commenced recently, initiated by 21 out of the 24 lawmakers who signed a petition alleging perjury and unauthorized disclosure of state secrets against Shaibu.
During the assembly’s session recently, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku informed the lawmakers that the seven-day period granted to Shaibu to respond to the impeachment notice had elapsed. Despite attempts to serve the notice directly, Shaibu’s alleged evasion led to the issuance of a substituted service, which was published in prominent newspapers such as the Nigerian Observer and Vanguard Newspapers.
Majority Leader Charity Aiguobarueghan moved a motion directing Justice Okungbowa to establish the committee responsible for investigating the allegations against Shaibu.
The impeachment of Shaibu marks the climax of a protracted political standoff between the deputy governor and his superior, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
