Panel gives embattled Edo deputy gov, Shaibu last chance to defend himself or risk impeachment

The panel investigating the alleged misconducts by Edo State deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, has scheduled Friday as the final adjournment for Shaibu to present his defense or risk being impeached.

The seven-man panel, led by Justice Stephen A Omonuwa (Rtd), made the decision to proceed with the investigation in the absence of the deputy governor and his counsel.

This occurred during their sitting on Thursday. Despite their absence, the panel decided to carry on with the proceedings.

Omonuwa (Rtd) mentioned that the panel would patiently wait to see if the defendant, Shaibu, would present his defense.

However, despite calling for the defendant, Shaibu was absent and had no representation.

Justice Omonuwa called for appearance for the plaintiff, the Edo State House of Assembly, which initiated the impeachment process.

Legal Officer of the Edo State House of Assembly, N. U. Ibrahim announced his appearance for the Assembly with two others.

The chairman then ruled that the panel would still adjourn to give the defendant the ample opportunity to appear before it to present his defense saying “The panel is adjourned for the last time to April 5, 2024, at 12 noon, to allow the defendant to present his defense”, Justice Omonuwa ruled.

During the first session of the panel on Wednesday, Professor Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), who is Shaibu’s counsel, informed the panel that he and the defendant would not be participating in the proceedings. They claimed that the panel was disregarding an Abuja High Court order that had halted the proceedings. It seems like there was some disagreement about the legality of the panel’s actions.

 He said that all parties in the matter ought to obey the order which asked the parties to appear before it to show cause why it should or should not grant the enforcement of fundamental human rights prayer Shaibu tabled before the court.