The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the Federal High Court’s decision to reinstate Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, confirming the July 17 ruling by Justice James Omotosho.READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The appellate court ruled that Shaibu’s impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly was invalid due to a lack of fair hearing.
In its judgment delivered on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the Court of Appeal affirmed Justice Omotosho’s verdict which nullified Shaibu’s removal and ordered his immediate reinstatement.
The court also set aside the appointment of Omobayo Godwins, who had been named as Shaibu’s replacement following the impeachment.
The impeachment of Shaibu, which occurred on April 8, 2024, was based on allegations of perjury and leaking state secrets.
These charges were presented in a report by a seven-man committee led by Chief Judge Daniel Okungbowa.
Shaibu, however, contested his removal and sought redress through the courts.
The Federal High Court, under Justice Omotosho, ruled in Shaibu’s favor, declaring the impeachment invalid.
The Edo State House of Assembly, dissatisfied with the decision, appealed the ruling.
The Court of Appeal’s decision on Tuesday reinforces Shaibu’s reinstatement, emphasizing that the earlier impeachment lacked procedural fairness.
Following the judgment, Shaibu described the ruling as a significant victory for democracy.
Expressing his gratitude, he said, “Everywhere I go, people tell me they are praying for me. So the prayers of Nigerians have been answered by the dismissal of the appeal filed by the state House of Assembly and by the grace of God, I am going to win all the cases against me.”.
Shaibu’s new party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), also celebrated the court’s decision.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-igbinigie, the APC praised the judgment as a reflection of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s alleged disregard for due process and constitutional integrity.
The APC statement further highlighted the party’s role in Shaibu’s political career, asserting that the victory underscores the party’s support for democratic principles.READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
