A seven-man panel set up by the Chief Judge (CJ) of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to investigate allegations of misconduct against the embattled deputy governor of the state, Comrade Philip Shaibu, began its proceedings on Wednesday.
Chaired by retired Justice S. A. Omonuwa, the panel was constituted following the resolution of the Edo State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Shaibu.
During the panel’s inaugural hearing on Wednesday morning, the House of Assembly was represented by its Deputy Clerk (Legal), Mr. Ohiafi Joe, while Deputy Governor Shaibu was represented by Professor Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN).
However, Shaibu’s legal counsel protested against the panel’s sitting. Despite the objection, the panel decided to proceed with its investigation, citing the absence of a court order halting its work.
Justice Omonuwa (Rtd) clarified that the Federal High Court in Abuja had only instructed the parties involved to appear and demonstrate cause.
In response, the House of Assembly’s counsel argued that, according to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Section 188 (10) (as amended), no court could prevent the House of Assembly or the panel from carrying out their constitutional duties.
The panel’s chairman, Justice Omonuwa (Rtd), affirmed its commitment to continue its work and requested the House of Assembly to present its case against Shaibu.
In reaction to the ruling, Shaibu’s legal representative, Awoyale, SAN, informed the panel that his client would not be able to continue participating in the investigation and requested permission to excuse himself.
When questioned if he was waiving his client’s right to defend himself, Awoyale (SAN) replied in the negative, emphasizing the need to comply with the court’s decision to appear before it on Monday, April 8, 2024.
