Edo Tussle: Shaibu Wins At Appeal Court

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a lower court ruling that reinstated Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.

In its decision on Tuesday, the appellate court dismissed an appeal filed by the Edo State House of Assembly, which sought to validate Shaibu’s impeachment.

Shaibu was impeached on April 8, 2024, after the House adopted the report of a seven-member committee led by the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, which investigated allegations of misconduct against him. While the panel cleared Shaibu of perjury charges, it found him guilty of disclosing government secrets.

However, on July 17, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the impeachment and ordered Shaibu’s immediate reinstatement. Justice Omotosho ruled that the grounds for the impeachment were legally insufficient and amounted to gross misconduct on the part of the House of Assembly.

The court further directed the Inspector-General of Police to provide Shaibu with the necessary security to resume his duties as deputy governor until the end of his term.

Additionally, the court warned that anyone other than Shaibu claiming to be the deputy governor would face legal consequences and nullified the appointment of Omobayo Godwin, who had been named as Shaibu’s replacement.