The Edo State House of Assembly provided an explanation on Wednesday of how Philip Shaibu, the deputy governor of the state, was accused of leaking government secrets and of perjury, all of which are grounds for impeachment.
The Assembly made its case during the first meeting of the seven-member panel investigating Shaibu, represented by its deputy clerk, Joe Ohaifa.
The panel, led by retired Justice S.A. Omonuwa, was convened by Justice Daniel Okungbowa, the chief judge of Edo State, at the request of the state Assembly, which had started the impeachment process against the deputy administration on March 5.
The Assembly stated that Shaibu was accused of dishonesty and disclosing government secrets in a petition that served as the basis for the impeachment process.
The newest move in the conflict between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki, his principal, is reportedly the impeachment move.
Since Shaibu announced his intention to run for Edo governor this year, there had been an uneasiness in the relationship between the deputy governor and his principal.
The Deputy Clerk stated the Assembly case, claiming that in the affidavit he submitted in favor of an Abuja litigation, Shaibu disclosed state secrets.
He claimed that Shaibu released data about the meeting of the State Executive Council.
Ohaifa claims that Shaibu acted against Schedule 7 of the 1999 Constitution and broke the oath of secrecy he took.
The panel postponed until today (Thursday) so that Shaibu may present his defense after hearing the Assembly’s argument.
Prof. Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), Shaibu’s attorney, had previously left the session when the panel turned down his request to halt the proceedings.
In his petition, Awoyale pleaded with the panel to put a stop to the impeachment process while Shaibu’s lawsuit before the Federal High Court in Abuja is being resolved.
Awoyale informed the panel that Shaibu had requested an interlocutory order to stop the impeachment process, and that the Abuja court had set April 8 as the deadline for the parties to appear and provide justification.
However, the Deputy Clerk objected to the prayer, arguing that the House of Assembly and the seven-member panel could not be prevented from carrying out their constitutional duties by any court under Section 188 (10) of the 1999 Constitution.
Ohiafi stated that in order for the panel to support Shaibu’s position, the lawyer representing Shaibu needs persuade them that the constitutional provision has been changed.
Justice Omonuwa, the panel chairman, sided with Ohiafi in his decision.
The retired judge clarified that the request for the parties to provide justification did not constitute a directive to suspend the impeachment process.
Judge Omonuwa invited the House of Assembly to present its argument before stating that the panel would proceed with the procedures.
Awoyale requested the panel’s permission to be excused after informing the panel that his client would not be able to continue to cooperate in the investigation in response to the verdict.
The SAN declined to say when asked if he was giving up his right to represent his client, emphasizing that all parties must abide by the court’s ruling and show cause by appearing in person.
Awoyale responded negatively when questioned further about if he was “arresting the ruling of the panel” and emphasized the importance of obeying the court, which would convene on Monday, April 8, 2024.
