Edo Impeachment: House Of Assembly Accuses Shaibu Of Leaking Govt. Secrets

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) has raised serious allegations against the Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, accusing him of breaching the trust of the government by leaking sensitive information and committing perjury.

These allegations, if proven, could lead to his impeachment, as revealed during the inaugural sitting of a 7-man panel tasked with probing the Deputy Governor.

The panel led by Justice S. A. Omonuwa (Rtd), was appointed by the Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, following the commencement of impeachment proceedings against Philip Shaibu on March 5.

The Assembly contends that Shaibu’s actions, particularly in filing an affidavit in an Abuja lawsuit, exposed sensitive documents pertaining to the State Executive Council’s meetings, in violation of his oath of secrecy and constitutional provisions.

During the proceedings, Shaibu’s legal counsel, Prof. Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), sought to suspend the impeachment proceedings pending the outcome of a suit filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

However, the panel rejected this request, citing constitutional provisions that empower the House of Assembly to carry out its duties independently.

Despite Awoyale’s insistence on respecting the court’s jurisdiction, the panel proceeded with the hearings, emphasizing that the invitation to show cause did not constitute an order to halt the impeachment process.

Consequently, Awoyale withdrew from the proceedings, citing his client’s inability to participate further and emphasizing the need to adhere to the court’s decision.