By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, has constituted a seven panel of persons to investigate the allegations contained in the impeachment notice against Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu.
In a release dated 22nd March, 2024 and signed by the Chief Registrar, Edo State High Court of Justice, Benin City, Mr. S. O. Osawaru, he said the development is in line with section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Recall that the Edo State House of Assembly, Tuesday mandated Justice Okungbowa to set up a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct brought against Shaibu.
The said panel, which is headed by retired Justice S. A. Omonua, is dominated by notable Professors of Law including Prof. Violet Aigbokhaevo, Prof. Boniface Onomion Edegbai and Prof. Theresa Akpoghome.
Other members of the panel as listed by the State Chief Registrar are Mr. Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu, Surv. Dr. Andrew Oliha and Mr. Idris Abdulkareem.
Citing perjury and leaking of government’s secrets, the Edo Assembly had during plenary on March 5, announced that 21 out of the 24 members of the House had signed an impeachment notice against Shaibu.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Deputy Governor, Friday reportedly served Governor Godwin Obaseki and the State House of Assembly originating summons in a case instituted to halt the impeachment proceeding against him.
Our correspondent Thursday evening sighted the originating summons pasted at the entrance (gate) of the State House of Assembly, King Square, in line with the order of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Although the Court’s bailiff was said to have been prevented from pasting same at the Government House, Benin, by security at the gate, he reportedly succeeded in getting the summons to the Governor by courier on Friday morning.
