Edo Impeachment Palaver: Court Grants Comrade Shaibu’s Prayer

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, earlier today, August 9, 2023 gave the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu relief from his fear of being impeached by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The court renewed its earlier order restraining the Defendants in the suit instituted by Comrade Shaibu against Obaseki, the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, the Chief Judge of Edo State. and others.

The renewed an existing order baring all respondents from taking any step in relation to the planned impeachment of the plaintiff, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu.

Defense lawyers for the second, third fourth and fifth defendants were in court. The Attorney General of Edo State, Osaze Oluwole Uzzi Esq announced appearance for the Chief Judge of Edo State and the fifth defendant. When the case was called, counsel for the second defendant, the Department of State Services (DSS), informed the court that they were yet to file their process to show cause.

However, counsel for other defendants informed the court that their processes have already been filled, with the exception of the first defendant, the Inspector General of Police, yet to enter appearance.

Thereafter, the court adjourned the matter to the 22nd of August 2023, for hearing and directed the 2nd defendant to file the necessary process and for the registrar of court to issue and serve hearing notice on the first defendant.

The Judge further ordered that parties should continue to maintain the status quo ante bellum.

Recall that in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1027/2023* between Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu v. Inspector General of Police & 4 others, Justice A.R Muhammed of the Federal High Court on the 3rd of August 2023, gave an order restraining the parties from taking steps towards impeaching the plaintiff in his capacity as Deputy Governor of Edo State.