Court Refuses to Halt Impeachment Move Against Edo Deputy Governor

Justice James Omotoso refused to stop the alleged impeachment move against the Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Phillip Shaibu.

The court rejected the request for an order of status quo to be maintained by the Edo State House of Assembly and others involved in the impeachment saga.

During the proceedings, the Deputy Governor’s lawyer, Professor Olawoyin Awoyale, made an oral request for an order of status quo to be maintained by the parties pending the hearing and determination of his motion on notice.

The lawyer cited an authority to support the application, but the judge did not find it applicable to Shaibu’s case.

Justice Omotoso pointed out that the Governor of Edo State and the Edo State House of Assembly, who are the principal actors in the impeachment bid, have not been served with the originating summons of the suit as required by law.

However, the judge granted the request that the Edo State Governor and the State House of Assembly be served with the originating summons by substituted means.

Specifically, Justice Omotoso ordered that the court process be pasted at the entrance gate of the Edo State Government House and the gate of the State House of Assembly Complex both in Benin.

The judge also directed that all court papers be served on parties in the matter with the use of a registered Courier Company.

The case was subsequently fixed for April 15 for the hearing. Throughout the proceedings, the Deputy Governor, who was present in the room, declined to speak to journalists.

As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen what the outcome will be and how it will impact the political landscape in Edo State.

The developments in this case are being closely monitored by the legal industry and the general public, as the outcome could have far-reaching implications for the future of the Deputy Governor and the Edo State Government.