Redaction Africa Links 24 with Legit.ng
Published on 2024-03-21 09:31:58
The Federal High Court in Abuja has made a significant ruling in the ongoing impeachment saga involving Edo state deputy governor Phillip Shaibu. Justice James Omotosho declined Shaibu’s request to stop the impeachment move against him by the state house of assembly. Instead, the judge ordered Shaibu to paste court papers on the gates of Governor Godwin Obaseki and the state House of Assembly.
The court’s decision was based on the fact that Shaibu did not serve the principal actors in the impeachment bid, Governor Obaseki, and the state House of Assembly, with the court papers as required by law. This omission led to the judge’s refusal to grant Shaibu’s request for a stop in the impeachment process.
In a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2024, Shaibu’s lawyer, Prof. Olawoyin Awoyale, had asked the court to maintain the status quo. However, Justice Omotosho pointed out that the necessary parties had not been served with the originating summons of the suit, leading to his decision to deny the request for a halt in the impeachment proceedings.
Nevertheless, the judge granted Shaibu’s prayer to serve the court papers on Governor Obaseki and the state House of Assembly by pasting them at the entrance gate of the Edo state government house and the gate of the state house of assembly Complex in Benin City. Additionally, all court papers are to be served to all parties using a registered courier company.
Further proceedings in the case have been adjourned until Monday, April 15. Shaibu, who was present in the courtroom during the proceedings, declined to speak with the press after the court session.
The impeachment move against Shaibu by the Edo house of assembly is based on allegations of leaking government secrets. The majority leader of the house, Charity Aiguobarueghian, announced the impeachment notice against Shaibu during a plenary session. The decision was informed by a petition signed by 21 out of the 24 members of the House, dated March 5, 2024.
This development in the Edo state politics has drawn significant attention and is still unfolding. The court’s decision to allow the impeachment process to continue marks a crucial moment in the ongoing power struggle within the state government. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
Read the original article on Legit.ng
