A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the impeachment of Phillip Shuaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. Justice James Omotosho, delivering the judgment on Wednesday, ordered Shuaibu’s reinstatement, stating that the Edo State House of Assembly failed to comply with due process in the impeachment proceedings.
Shuaibu, who was present in court, was visibly emotional and shed tears of joy upon hearing the judge’s decision, according to The Nation. Justice Omotosho ruled that the allegations used as the basis for the impeachment did not constitute gross misconduct and were legally untenable.
The judge further directed the Inspector General of Police to provide necessary security to ensure Shuaibu’s safe resumption of office and performance of his duties until the end of his tenure. Additionally, Justice Omotosho annulled the appointment of the new Deputy Governor who had been appointed to replace Shuaibu.
In response, the Edo State House of Assembly has appealed the judgment and filed for a stay of execution pending the appeal. The Assembly had impeached Shuaibu on Monday, April 8, 2024, following the adoption of a report by a seven-man investigative panel, which was set up by the State Chief Judge to investigate allegations of misconduct, including perjury and leaking government secrets. The panel was led by retired Justice S.A. Omonua.
Shuaibu was impeached with the support of eighteen out of nineteen Assembly members present, with one member abstaining from the vote. Following Shuaibu’s impeachment, Governor Godwin Obaseki appointed Omobayo Marvellous Godwins as the new Deputy Governor to serve out the remainder of his term, which ends on November 11, 2024.
