The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Tuesday upheld the lower court’s decision to reinstall Philip Shaibu as Edo State’s Deputy Governor.
The appellate court dismissed the Edo State Assembly’s plea to uphold Shaibu’s impeachment.
Shaibu was impeached on April 8, 2024, following the adoption of the findings of a seven-man committee appointed by the state Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to investigate claims of misconduct against him.
Charity Aiguobarueghian, the House Majority Leader, stated that while the panel’s report did not establish the charge of perjury filed against Shaibu, it did find him guilty of disclosing government secrets.
On July 17, Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja overturned the impeachment and ordered his immediate restoration.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the charge on which the House of Assembly based its impeachment proceedings was legally untenable and constituted gross misconduct.
He directed the Inspector-General of Police to provide him with the necessary security to allow him to rejoin office and complete his duties till the conclusion of his mandate.
The court warned that anyone other than Shaibu posing as deputy governor will face legal penalties.
The court also set aside Omobayo’s nomination as the new deputy governor, replacing him.
