Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled in favor of Philip Shaibu, reinstating him as the Deputy Governor of Edo State after his impeachment by the state assembly. The court deemed the assembly’s actions illegal and unconstitutional.
In his judgment, Justice Omotosho stated that the impeachment was a gross violation of the Constitution. The court also mandated that Shaibu’s salaries and allowances, which had been withheld since his impeachment in April, be paid in full.
The ruling marks a significant turn in a conflict that has been ongoing for several months. Shaibu, who is 54 years old, was impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly following allegations of disclosing government secrets.
A seven-man panel, established by the assembly, investigated the allegations and recommended his impeachment, which the assembly then approved.
During the plenary session, 18 out of 19 members voted in favor of Shaibu’s removal, with one member abstaining. This move was seen as the climax of a prolonged dispute between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Despite the court’s ruling, the Edo State House of Assembly has not conceded. They have filed an appeal against the judgment and requested a stay of execution pending the outcome of the appeal.
