Impeachment: Shuaibu Says Panel Sitting Against Court Order

• Deputy Governor of Edo State objects to impeachment panel proceeding, citing interlocutory injunction from Federal High Court in Abuja
• Deputy Governor’s lawyer emphasizes need to abide by court order, arguing that investigation would violate directive and render process futile

Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr. Philip Shaibu, has objected to the seven-member investigative panel proceeding with his planned impeachment, urging them to adhere to an interlocutory injunction issued by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

During its inaugural session in Benin on Wednesday, Shaibu, represented by his lawyer, Prof. Oladoyin Awoyale, SAN, argued that conducting an investigation against him would violate the court’s order and render the process futile.

Awoyale emphasized the existence of a standing interlocutory injunction granted by the Abuja Federal High Court, with further proceedings scheduled for April 8. He stressed the importance of abiding by the court’s directive.

In response, counsel representing the House of Assembly and Deputy Clerk, Legal Department, Joe Oaifi, contended that Section 188 (10) of the constitution supported the panel’s activities. This section prohibits courts from obstructing the House of Assembly and its investigative processes.

The investigative panel, chaired by retired Justice S. A. Omonuwa and appointed by the State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, is tasked with probing allegations of misconduct levelled against the deputy governor by the Edo State House of Assembly.

Notably, a federal high court in Abuja declined to grant Shaibu’s application, seeking to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the substantive suit against Governor Godwin Obaseki, the House of Assembly, and others involved in the matter.

Despite the court’s refusal to grant an oral application for the interim injunction, Justice James Omotosho directed the lawyer to serve all defendants with the relevant documents and hearing notices, adjourning the case to March 18.

Subsequently, Awoyale presented a motion seeking permission to serve certain defendants through substituted means, which the court granted, scheduling the next hearing for April 15.

The court also advised Awoyale to seek a fiat from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for an expedited hearing during the upcoming vacation period.