Impeachment: Edo CJ sets up 7-man panel to probe allegations against Shaibu

The Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has set up a seven-man panel headed by Justice S.O. Omonua (rtd), to investigate the allegations contained in the impeachment notice against the state’s deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu.

Shaibu, it would be recalled, has been in the eyes of the storm with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, over the governorship ticket of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Matters got to a head when the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) commenced impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor on two grounds of alleged perjury and violation of secrecy oath.

The impeachment notice was based on a petition dated March 5, 2024, signed by 21 out of the 24 members of the House, against the deputy governor.

Last Monday, the state lawmakers passed a resolution directing the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to set up a seven-man committee to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct levelled against Shaibu.

Sequel to the resolution of the House, the state’s chief judge in a press statement signed by the Chief Registrar, B.O. Osawaru, with reference number: CR/4837/Vol. II/131 dated March 22, 2024, and sighted by our Correspondent, named retired Justice S.A. Omonua as chairman of the panel.

The statement also mentioned Prof. Violet Aigbokhevbo, Prof. Boniface Onomion Edegbai, Prof. Theresa Akpoghome, Mr. Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu, Dr. Andrew Oliha and Mr. Idris Abdukareen as members.

The press statement read: “This is to bring to the notice of the general public that in line with Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Honourable Chief Judge of Edo State, Honourable Justice Daniel I. Okungbowa has constituted the panel of Seven Persons to investigate the allegations contained in the impeachment notice against the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu.

“The said seven persons comprised of the following persons: (1) Hon. Justice S.A. Omonua, Chairman; Prof. Violet Aigbokhevbo, Prof. Boniface Onomion Edegbai. Prof. Theresa Akpoghome, Mr. Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu, Surv. Dr. Andrew Oliha and Mr Idris Abdukareen as members.”