“Panel Commences Proceedings for Shaibu’s Impeachment

The investigative panel, comprising seven members and chaired by retired Justice S. A. Omonuwa, assembled on Wednesday as mandated by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa. This panel’s formation stemmed from allegations of misconduct directed at Philip Shaibu, the state’s deputy governor, instigating an impeachment process initiated by the state House of Assembly.

Representatives from both the House of Assembly and Shaibu’s camp were present at the panel’s inaugural session. Mr. Joe Ohiafi, Deputy Clerk, Legal, represented the House of Assembly, while Prof. Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN) stood in the representation of Shaibu. The commencement of these proceedings marks a significant development in the ongoing discord between Shaibu and his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, reportedly triggered by Shaibu’s declared gubernatorial ambitions for the current year.

A statement released by George Odidi, the administrative secretary of the panel before the sitting outlined the formalities and expectations for the proceedings. The statement underscored the adherence to Section 188 Subsection 5 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, indicating that the complainant should be prepared to present their case promptly on the designated day of the panel’s sitting at the Judges Conference room, New High Court Complex, Benin City.