Following a request by the Edo State House of Assembly, Chief Judge Daniel Okungbowa has constituted a seven-man panel to investigate supposedly impeachable allegations levelled against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.
Okungbowa took the step as part of the impeachment processes initiated by the Edo State House of Assembly against the Deputy Governor.
Chief Registrar of the Edo State High Court, Mr. B. O. Osawaru, who announced this CJ’s move in a statement dated March 22, 2024, said the panel would be headed by a retired justice, Justice Justice S.A. Omonua.
The statement said: “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 the 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, Rt. Honourable Philip Shaibu.
“The said Panel of Seven Persons is comprised of the following persons: 1. Hon. Justice S.A. Omonua (Rtd.) – Chairman 2. Professor Violet Aigbokhaebo- Member 3. Professor Boniface Onomion Edegbai –Member 4. Professor Theresa Akpoghome – Member 5. Mr. Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu – Member 6. Surv. Dr. Andrew Oliha- Member 7. Mr. Idris Abdulkareen- Member.”
The Edo State House of Assembly had on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in a resolution passed by 19 of the 24 members, directed the CJ to create a seven-man panel to investigate Shaibu.
Shaibu approached an Abuja Federal High Court on an ex-parte motion, seeking to restrain the Assembly, the CJ and Governor Godwin Obaseki, from taking further action on the impeachment process pending the determination of the substantive matter before the court.
However, the presiding Justice James Omotoso turned down the request, insisting that all parties be put on notice.
The court granted the request that the parties be served by substituted means and adjourned the matter to April 15, 2024.
