Benin City— The Edo State House of Assembly served Deputy Governor Mr. Philip Shaibu an impeachment notice yesterday, giving him seven days to respond to allegations of constitutional infractions. This move comes barely 24 hours after Vanguard exclusively reported on the plot to impeach Shaibu, which appeared to be thickening.
During the assembly’s sitting, Majority Leader Mr. Charity Aiguobarueghian announced that 21 out of 24 members signed a petition dated March 5, 2024, against the deputy governor, citing perjury and revealing government secrets as grounds for impeachment. Speaker Blessing Agbebaku acknowledged receipt of the petition and directed the Clerk, Yahaya Omogbai, to serve the impeachment notice on Shaibu.
Shaibu has been under scrutiny due to his strained relationship with Governor Godwin Obaseki over the Edo governorship ticket of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In response to allegations linking him to the impeachment move, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District and Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, denied his involvement. Oshiomhole’s Legislative Aide, Victor Oshioke, stated that reports circulating on social media were false, emphasizing that Oshiomhole had not engaged in discussions with Governor Obaseki regarding plans to impeach Shaibu.
Meanwhile, the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has condemned the alleged impeachment plan, calling on Governor Obaseki to abandon it and prepare for a peaceful transition of power. CRPP Chairman Samson Isibor warned that any attempt to impeach Shaibu could lead to crisis in the state.
Shaibu has yet to officially respond to the impeachment notice, with reports indicating that he is consulting his lawyers. Despite efforts to reach him for comment, Shaibu remained unavailable, leaving many questions unanswered amidst the political turbulence in Edo State.
