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The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, voided the impeachment of Phillip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.
Shaibu was elated as Justice James Omotosho ordered his immediate reinstatement in office.
The judge, who ruled that the Edo State House of Assembly breached due process in the impeachment procedure, ordered the Inspector General of Police to provide Shaibu with the needed security to enable him to resume office and perform his fuctions as deputy governor until the end of his tenure.
The judge also set aside the appointment of Omobayo Godwins as the new Deputy Governor replacing Shaibu.
The court held that the allegation on which the House of Assembly based the impeachment proceedings was untenable in law and did not constitute gross misconduct.
Recall that the Assembly had impeached Shaibu on April 8 after declaring that he committed perjury and leaked government secrets as a result of what he wrote in the affidavit to support a suit he earlier filed against his principal, Godwin Obaseki.
Reacting to the judgment, Shaibu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Musa Ebomhiena, described the judgement as victory for democracy and the rule of law.
He said, “For us, it’s a victory for democracy and the rule of law. The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man. For mere mortals who think they can play God in the lives of others, this judgment serves as a lesson. He appoints kings and kings as it pleases Him. Those who have ears, let them hear.”
