The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, yesterday announced the constitution of a seven-member panel to investigate the allegations of impeachable offences leveled against Edo Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, by the state House of Assembly.
The panel is headed by Justice S.A. Omonua (rtd.),according to a statement by the Chief Registrar of Edo High Court, Mr. B. O. Osawaru.
Also on the panel are Profs. Violet Aigbokhaebo, Boniface Onomion Edegbai, and Theresa Akpoghome, as well as Dr. Andrew Oliha, and Messrs. Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu and Idris Abdulkareen.
Osarawu said the setting up of the panel was in line with Section 188 (5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The Assembly had through a resolution by 19 of its 24 members , directed the CJ to constitute the panel and proceeded to serve Shaibu with notice of impeachment.
However, the Deputy Governor approached the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja, through an ex-parte motion, praying it to restrain the legislature , the chief judge and Governor Godwin Obaseki from taking further action on the impeachment process, pending the determination of the substantive matter.
The motion, which was filed on March 18 by Edo deputy governor’s lead counsel, Prof. Oladoyin Awoyale, equally joined Edo government, Speaker and Clerk of the state’s House of Assembly, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector-General of the Police (IGP).
The FHC, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotoso, directed that all parties be put on notice, and granted the requested substituted service, with the matter adjourned till April 15, 2024, for further hearing.