The impeachment of Philip Shaibu as Edo State’s Deputy Governor has been overturned by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.
Justice Omotosho ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement to office after the Edo State House of Assembly failed to follow due process in impeaching him.
Justice Omotosho also deferred the appointment of the new Deputy Governor, who succeeded Shaibu.
The court ruled that the charge on which the House of Assembly based its impeachment proceedings was legally untenable and did not constitute gross misconduct.
He directed the Inspector General of Police to provide him with the necessary security to allow him to rejoin office and complete his duties until the conclusion of his mandate.
Shaibu was impeached during the house’s plenary session on Monday, April 8, 2024, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The deputy governor’s impeachment followed the adoption of the report of a seven-man committee set up by the chief judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to investigate allegations of misconduct against the deputy governor.
