The lower court judgment that reinstated Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State has been affirmed by the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja.
In its judgment on Tuesday, the appellate court dismissed the appeal seeking to uphold Shaibu’s impeachment.
Shaibu’s impeachment, which took place on April 8, 2024, following the adoption of the report of a seven-man committee, was voided by Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on July 17.
The deputy governor had been impeached after the adoption of the report of the committee set up to probe him over allegations.
Shaibu’s immediate reinstatement was ordered by Omotosho who held that the allegation on which the House of Assembly based the impeachment proceedings was untenable in law and constituted gross misconduct.
Justice Omotosho had also instructed that the deputy governor be provided with needed security to enable him to resume office and perform the functions of the office until the end of his tenure.
Furthermore, the appointment of Omobayo Godwin as the new deputy governor, replacing Shaibu was also set aside by the court.
Credit: The Sun