A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday nullified the impeachment of Phillip Shuaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.
Justice James Omotosho ordered Shuaibu’s reinstatement, citing the Edo State House of Assembly’s failure to follow due process in the impeachment proceedings.
Key points from the court ruling include:
1. Reinstatement: Shuaibu was ordered to be reinstated as Deputy Governor.
2. Impeachment Invalidated: The court found that the allegations against Shuaibu did not constitute gross misconduct.
3. Security Provision: The Inspector General of Police was directed to provide Shuaibu with security to resume his office and perform his duties until the end of his tenure.
4. Replacement Set Aside: The appointment of Omobayo Marvellous Godwins as Deputy Governor, following Shuaibu’s impeachment, was nullified.
The Edo State House of Assembly has since appealed the judgment and filed for a stay of execution pending the appeal.
The Assembly had impeached Shuaibu based on allegations of perjury and leaking government secrets, but the court found these grounds insufficient for impeachment.
Shuaibu, who was present in court, expressed emotional relief at the ruling. Meanwhile, the state’s legislative body is pursuing further legal action to uphold its impeachment decision.