The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has reinstated Mr. Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, nullifying his earlier impeachment. Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the judgment, declared the impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly illegal, unconstitutional, null, and void.
The court found that the impeachment violated sections 188 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. Consequently, it ordered Philip Shaibu’s immediate restoration to office, along with the payment of all his salaries, allowances, and benefits from April 8, when he was unlawfully removed, until the end of his tenure.
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Justice Omotosho issued a perpetual injunction preventing Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from hindering Shaibu from performing his duties as Deputy Governor. Additionally, the court instructed the Inspector General of Police to immediately reinstate Shaibu’s security details.
In his judgment, Justice Omotosho criticized the reasons provided by the Edo State Assembly for the impeachment, describing them as baseless and indicative of a politically motivated vendetta.
The decision has been met with various reactions from political observers and the public. Many see it as a significant affirmation of constitutional protections and a check against political abuses.
Mr. Shaibu, who expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, called for unity and cooperation in moving Edo State forward. “This judgment is not just a victory for me but for democracy and the rule of law. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Edo State with dedication and integrity,” he said.
Governor Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly have yet to issue a formal response to the court’s ruling. Legal experts anticipate that this ruling may set a precedent for future cases of politically motivated impeachments and strengthen judicial oversight over legislative actions.
