On Monday, the Edo State House of Assembly made a significant decision, opting to impeach the embattled Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu. This decision came following the conclusion of a rigorous investigation conducted by a seven-member panel chaired by Justice S.A. Omonua (retd.), appointed by the state’s Chief Judge. The primary purpose of this panel was to probe allegations of misconduct leveled against Shaibu, including accusations of perjury and the unauthorized disclosure of governmental secrets.
The investigative process was thoroughly carried out, with Shaibu being given abundant opportunity to present his defense. However, despite being summoned before the panel, Shaibu failed to make an appearance, raising eyebrows and further complicating the situation. The panel, having adjourned its sessions to provide Shaibu with opportunities to defend himself, eventually concluded its proceedings on Friday, with the deputy governor’s absence speaking volumes.
Shaibu’s legal counsel, Oladoyin Awoyale, made an appearance during the initial stages of the proceedings but later withdrew after the panel dismissed his plea to suspend the investigation pending the outcome of a separate legal challenge filed by Shaibu in Abuja. This move highlighted the tension surrounding the impeachment proceedings and underscored the gravity of the situation for Shaibu.
During the decisive House sitting, attended by 20 members including Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, the proceedings unfolded with a sense of gravity. With the Clerk of the House reading out the allegations against Shaibu, the Majority Leader, Charity Aiguobarueghan, representing Ovia North East 1, spearheaded the motion to consider the panel’s report. This motion, seconded by Minority Leader Eric Okaka of Owan East, paved the way for the Speaker to assume the chairmanship of the committee responsible for evaluating the report in its entirety.
Ultimately, the decision to impeach Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu was not taken lightly. With 18 members of the Assembly voting in favor of impeachment and only one abstaining, it was evident that the seriousness of the allegations against Shaibu had weighed heavily on the minds of the legislators. This landmark decision marked the conclusion of a thorough and exhaustive process aimed at upholding the integrity and accountability of governance in Edo State.
