In response to the impeachment proceedings initiated by the Edo State House of Assembly against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has taken a significant step by constituting a seven-member panel to investigate the allegations leveled against Shaibu.
The announcement of the panel’s formation came through a statement issued on Friday, bearing reference number CR/4837/Vol. I/131, and was endorsed by the Chief Registrar of the Edo State High Court, B. O. Osawaru. According to the statement, the panel will be led by retired Justice S.A. Omonua.
The Chief Registrar clarified that the constitution of the panel aligns with the powers conferred upon the Chief Judge by Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The statement read, “This is to bring to the notice of the general public that in line with Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Honourable Chief Judge of Edo State, Honourable Justice D. I. Okungbowa, has constituted the panel of seven persons to investigate the allegations contained in the impeachment notice against the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu.”
The panel comprises the following members: retired Justice S.A. Omonua (Chairman), Professor Violet Aigbokhaebo, Professor Boniface Onomion Edegbai, Professor Theresa Akpoghome, Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu, Andrew Oliha, and Idris Abdulkareen.
Recall that on March 19, 2024, the Edo State House of Assembly passed a resolution, with the support of 19 out of 24 members, directing the Chief Judge to constitute a seven-man panel to probe the allegations against Shaibu.
In a parallel move, on the same day, Deputy Governor Shaibu approached the Abuja Federal High Court seeking to halt further actions on the impeachment process. However, the court declined the request for an ex-parte motion and instead ordered that all parties be served through substituted means. The matter has been adjourned to April 15, 2024, for further proceedings.
