The Federal High Court in Abuja has reinstated Mr. Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. Justice James Omotosho ruled that Shaibu’s impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly was illegal, unconstitutional, and null and void.
The court found the impeachment violated sections 188 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. It ordered that Shaibu be restored to his position and that he receive all his salaries, allowances, and benefits from April 8, the date of his impeachment, until the end of his tenure.
Additionally, the court issued a perpetual injunction preventing Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from interfering with Shaibu’s duties. It also directed the Inspector General of Police to immediately reinstate Shaibu’s security details.
Justice Omotosho stated that the reasons given by the Edo Assembly for Shaibu’s impeachment were weak and appeared to be politically motivated.
