Edo State’s Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has formed a seven-member panel to investigate allegations against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, as per the State Assemby’s impeachment procedures. The panel, led by retired Justice A.A. Omonua, was officially constituted on Friday through a statement issued by Chief Registrar B.O. Osawaru, with reference number CR/4837/Vol.1/131.
The Chief Registrar empasized in the statement that the Chief Judge was exercising authority as conferred upon him by Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution.
“This is to bring to the notice of the general public that in line with Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Honourable Chief Judge of Edo State, Honourable Justice D. I. Okungbowa, has constituted the panel of seven persons to investigate the allegations contained in the impeachment notice against the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu.
“The said panel of seven persons is comprised of the following persons: Hon. Justice A. A. Omonua (retd.) – Chairman, Professor Violet Aigbokhaebo-member,Professor Boniface Onomion Edegbai-member, Professor Thersa Akpoghome-member, Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu-member, Andraw Oliha-member and Idris Abdilkareen- member.”
It’s worth noting that on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, the Edo State House of Assembly, with a resolution endorsed by 19 out of 24 members, instructed the Chief Judge to establish a seven-member panel to probe Shaibu. Concurrently, on the same day, Shaibu filed an ex-parte motion at the Abuja Federal High Court seeking to halt the assembly, the Chief judge, and Governor Godwin Obaseki from proceeding with the impeachment process until the court determines the underlying issues.
On March 18, in a motion filed and dated, the deputy governor, represented by his lawyer, Prof. Oladoyin Awoyale, also included the Edo State Government, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Assembly’s Clerk, the Director General of the Department of State Security, and the Inspector General of Police as respondents.
However, Justice James Omotoso, presiding over the court, declined the request, emphasizing the need for all parties to be properly notified. Instead, the court allowed the parties to be served through alternative means. The case was adjourned to April 15, 2024.